The Zurich Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Madrid 2026 already has a confirmed date and promises to become the biggest spring running event. On Sunday, April 26, 2026, thousands of athletes will take to the streets of Madrid to race the event’s three distances—marathon, half marathon, and 10 km—on a sightseeing course packed with music and energy. In this guide, you’ll find up-to-date information on registration, the route, services, and tips to prepare for one of Europe’s most iconic marathons, along with ideas to make the most of your visit to the Spanish capital.
Dates and key details for the Madrid Marathon 2026
The Madrid Marathon 2026 will take place on Sunday, April 26 as part of the Rock ’n – Roll Running Series calendar. The marathon and half marathon are scheduled to start at 8:45 a.m. on the Paseo de la Castellana, while the 10 km race will begin at 8:00 a.m. All distances share the festive atmosphere that defines this global series, with more than thirty entertainment points and live concerts spread throughout the course.
Registration is handled through RockTheSport and initially opened on May 6, 2025 for 2025 participants and the waiting list. From May 8, entries went on sale to the general public. Bib prices are €150 for the marathon, €100 for the half marathon, and €50 for the 10 km (tax included). Wheelchair and handbike athletes have reduced tiered pricing, and all participants must be 18 years old on race day. Registration includes the Spanish Athletics Federation license and mandatory accident insurance.
Your bib and runner’s pack can be collected at the Runner Expo at IFEMA Madrid on April 24 and 25, 2026. You’ll need to bring an ID document and your registration confirmation. The organization allows name changes and partial refunds until the end of March 2026 with a medical certificate.
Route and atmosphere: a scenic course with hills
The Zurich Rock ’n – Roll Madrid course stands out for both its cultural highlights and its cumulative elevation gain: approximately 360 m of total ascent in the marathon (204 m in the half marathon and 120 m in the 10 km). Starting on Paseo de la Castellana, runners head through the business district of Plaza de Castilla, pass the Santiago Bernabéu stadium and the Salamanca neighborhood, then descend into the historic center. Iconic landmarks along the way include Plaza de Callao, Puerta del Sol, the Congress of Deputies, the Neptune Fountain, and Plaza Mayor. The second half of the race takes in the Royal Palace and reaches the city’s green lungs: Casa de Campo and El Retiro Park. The finish line is located on Paseo de Recoletos, next to the National Library.
Beyond the sightseeing, the route features more than thirty live music and entertainment points, turning the race into a true running festival. The organization provides pacing groups with target finish times (from 3 hours to 5 hours 30 minutes) for the marathon, as well as liquid and solid aid stations every 2.5–5 kilometers depending on the distance. The maximum time limit to finish the marathon is 7 hours 50 minutes (finish line closes at 4:35 p.m.), 4 hours 40 minutes for the half marathon, and 2 hours 40 minutes for the 10 km. To get to the start, it’s recommended to use the metro (lines 7, 10 and 5) or the commuter rail service.
How to register: prices, requirements, and licenses
- Registration process: go to the official Rock ’n – Roll Madrid registration platform, create an account or log in, and choose your distance. Fill in your details, select your shirt size, and pay by card.
- Prices and licenses: the fee includes your bib, race shirt, and the mandatory federation license. For Spanish runners, the RFEA license is included (€5 for the marathon and €3 for the half marathon and 10 km).
- Medical requirements: the organization recommends a pre-race medical check-up. Participants accept a liability waiver and certify that they are fit and healthy to run.
- Changes and cancellations: until March 31, a 90% refund is available in case of injury with valid documentation. Bib transfers to other editions are not allowed.
- Bib pickup: bring your ID/passport and proof of registration to the runner expo. If you can’t attend, someone else may pick it up with a signed authorization.
Preparing for the hills of the Madrid Marathon
Running in Madrid means dealing with long climbs and demanding descents. To enjoy race day to the fullest, it helps to tailor your training to the course profile. Here are some practical tips:
Build a solid base
Dedicate at least 16 weeks to marathon preparation. Start with easy 8–12 km runs three times per week and gradually increase the distance until you reach 25–30 km long runs. Listen to your body and avoid increasing weekly volume by more than 10%.
Add strength training and hill work
Include specific hill sessions on routes with elevation: alternate 200–400 m hill repeats with downhill recovery, and mix in steady runs over rolling terrain. This strengthens your core, glutes, and quads and improves efficiency on climbs. Complement this with strength exercises (squats, lunges, plyometric jumps) twice per week.
Respect rest and recovery
Plan for two rest days each week. Add low-impact activities like swimming, yoga, or cycling to support recovery. Three weeks before race day, reduce volume and intensity to arrive fresh on the start line.
Study the course profile and adjust your pace: save energy on the climbs and use the downhills to recover. Practice taking gels and sports drinks during long training runs to avoid surprises on race day. Remember to hydrate well during race week and eat breakfast at least two hours before the start.
What to expect: atmosphere and spectacle
The 2025 edition set participation records with more than 45,000 bibs sold and a large share of international runners. The 2024 winners were Mitku Tafa (2:08:05) in the men’s race and Naom Jebet (2:26:19) in the women’s, showcasing the event’s competitive level. In 2026, participation is expected to surpass these numbers thanks to the popularity of the series and new sponsors such as Xiaomi, which will bring its ecosystem of devices to capture runners’ excitement. The race will also be broadcast on more than 300 TV channels worldwide.
For spectators, the event is also a celebration. Locals line the streets to cheer on runners, and rock and flamenco bands appear every few kilometers. The finish area on Recoletos gathers thousands of people to watch athletes arrive and share the emotion of crossing the finish line.
Recommendations for enjoying Madrid
Make the most of your trip by discovering the Spanish capital’s cultural and culinary highlights. Visit museums such as the Prado, the Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza; stroll through Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, and the Almudena Cathedral; breathe fresh air in El Retiro Park; and enjoy traditional dishes such as cocido madrileño or soldaditos de Pavía. After the race, refuel with tapas in neighborhoods like La Latina or Malasaña.
If you’re interested in other long-distance races, don’t miss our guide to the Dubai Marathon 2026 or our tips for training in hot weather. These articles will help you complement your preparation and plan new running adventures.
Get ready with SnapRace
Planning and tracking are key to successfully completing a marathon. The SnapRace app lets you build personalized training plans, log your kilometers, and share your achievements with other runners. Use it to monitor your hill sessions, fine-tune your pace, and access real-time stats. You can also join local training groups and take part in weekly challenges that will keep you motivated all the way to race day.
The Madrid Marathon 2026 is just around the corner. Start preparing your adventure, secure your bib, and let yourself be carried away by the music and passion of Madrid’s streets.