On Sunday, April 26, 2026, the 48th edition of the Madrid Marathon will take place as part of the international Zurich Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series. This event, which also includes a half marathon and a 10-kilometer race, will bring together around 47,000 runners from more than 110 countries and turn the city center into a true celebration of sport and music. Its sightseeing route passes iconic landmarks such as the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the Cuatro Torres, Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace, Casa de Campo Park, Madrid Río, and the Paseo del Prado, while more than thirty bands energize every kilometer.
Key race facts: course, schedule, and categories
The marathon will start at 8:45 a.m. from Paseo de la Castellana (between Plaza Gregorio Marañón and Plaza San Juan de la Cruz), while wheelchair and handbike participants will start at 8:30 a.m.. The half marathon shares the same start time, and the 10K will begin at 8:00 a.m.. The finish line will be located on Paseo de Recoletos, between Plaza de Cibeles and Plaza de Colón, and will remain open until 4:35 p.m.. The organization sets maximum finish times of 7 h 49 min for the marathon, 3 h for the half marathon, and 90 min for the 10K.
The Madrid course is demanding and totals around 360 m of positive elevation gain. It runs through wide avenues and parks, with some steep climbs in the first half and long descents toward the historic center. To support safety and performance, there will be aid stations with water and isotonic drinks at kilometers 5, 11, 15, 23, 26.5, 29, 32, 35.8, 38, 40, and at the finish. In addition, the organization will provide bananas and energy gels along the route for marathon and half marathon participants.
Registration is handled via Rock The Sport and is open from May 6, 2025 until April 10, 2026. The marathon bib costs €150, the half marathon costs €100, and the 10K costs €50. Reduced fees are available for wheelchair or handbike athletes until February 28. Registration includes a timing-chip bib, the official race shirt, and a runner’s bag.
Runner Expo and bib pickup at IFEMA
Bib pickup and race materials will be available exclusively at the Runner Expo, located at IFEMA – Feria de Madrid (Avenida del Partenón 5). This event, also known as Expodepor, will be open on Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The organization recommends arriving early to avoid crowds, although the process typically takes around 15 minutes. To collect your bib, you must present your registration confirmation (printed or digital) and a valid ID. You may attend with companions, but no bibs will be issued on race day.
At the expo you’ll find sports-gear stands, technical talks, and services such as medal engraving. If you want your medal to include your name and net time, you can purchase this during registration (€6) or at the expo (€10). Remember to fill in the medical information on the back of your bib so medical staff can assist you in an emergency.
How to train for a hilly course
Madrid’s rolling profile calls for specific preparation. In addition to long runs and endurance work, include strength training and hill sessions in your plan. An effective way to improve power and recovery is fartlek training, alternating faster efforts with active recoveries. This method will help you handle pace changes and cope better with climbs.
- Train on similar terrain: do your long runs on hilly routes, such as Casa de Campo Park or Parque de las Naciones, to simulate the marathon’s climbs.
- Build muscular strength: add core work, squats, lunges, and gym-based strength sessions to protect your knees and maintain good posture.
- Manage your pace: take advantage of the official pace groups (“pacers”): there will be pacers for targets from 3 hours up to 5 hours in the marathon, plus various paces in the half marathon and 10K.
- Plan your hydration: practice drinking water, isotonic drinks, and taking gels in training, aligned with the aid-station points provided by the organization.
- Rest and listen to your body: respect down weeks, get enough sleep, and consult professionals if you feel persistent discomfort.
An ideal timeline is to start your specific build 16 weeks out, alternating endurance runs, longer intervals, and track sessions. SnapRace’s marathon planning guide can help you structure your weeks. In addition, the SnapRace app lets you log workouts, track other runners’ progress, and explore recommended routes in Madrid to train safely.
Logistics and tips to enjoy Madrid
If you’re traveling from outside Madrid, book your accommodation early. Look for hotels near the start area (Paseo de la Castellana) or the finish on Paseo de Recoletos to minimize travel. On Sunday there will be road closures, so the best way to reach the start is by public transport. The closest metro stations are Gregorio Marañón (Lines 7 and 10) and Rubén Darío (Line 5). You can also get around by using the BiciMAD bike-share system or simply walking, as many tourist spots are close to each other.
Madrid offers plenty of options for runners and companions. After picking up your bib, take a walk through the historic center, visit museums like the Prado or the Thyssen, and enjoy local food in neighborhoods such as La Latina or Malasaña. If you want an easy outdoor shakeout during your stay, try El Retiro Park with its 4 km perimeter loop, or Madrid Río, which offers paved paths along the Manzanares River. These routes are perfect for loosening up before race day.
Feel the rock ’n’ roll atmosphere and share your experience
The Madrid Marathon is more than a race: it’s a collective celebration that blends sport, music, and tourism. More than twenty bands will keep the course buzzing, and thousands of spectators will cheer nonstop. To help friends and family follow your splits, download the official race app and share your bib number. Remember to follow the rules: for safety reasons, it’s not allowed to cross the finish line with non-registered companions.
After crossing the finish line and collecting your medal, make the most of the rest of the day with tapas, cafés, and traditional sweets—one of the best ways to refuel. And if you want to relive the experience later, upload your results and photos to the SnapRace community, where you can compare your performance with other runners, get personalized tips, and plan your next adventure. From Madrid to the sky—and from your next finish line to a brand-new challenge!