The Málaga Half Marathon 2026 has reached a new milestone by selling out its 12,000 available entries more than two months ahead of race day. This impressive growth confirms that the capital of the Costa del Sol has become one of the favourite destinations for runners from around the globe to chase personal bests, enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and kick off the spring season with a major challenge. Below you’ll find all the key details about the event, interesting facts and practical tips to help you get the most out of the race.
An event on the rise: sold‑out bibs and record participation
The organisers of the TotalEnergies Málaga Half Marathon increased the cap to 12,000 bibs in response to growing demand and yet they still sold out months before the race. According to local newspapers, 8,000 people took part in 2025; for 2026 the number of registered runners soars and places Málaga among the largest half marathons on the Spanish calendar. Here are some standout figures for the 2026 edition:
- 37% female participation, one of the highest percentages of any Spanish half marathon, showing a notable increase over the 34% recorded in 2025.
- 47.8% foreign runners from more than 80 countries. The United Kingdom leads the charge (more than 1,000 registrants), followed by Ireland, Norway, Poland and France.
- The province of Málaga continues to provide the largest contingent (more than 3,000 runners), followed by Madrid and other Andalusian provinces such as Granada, Seville and Jaén.
The international and gender‑balanced nature of the event not only boosts the local economy through sports tourism but also turns Málaga into a global showcase for both recreational and competitive running.
A course built for speed: route and record times
The main reason for the Málaga Half Marathon’s success is its course. The start and finish will be on Paseo del Parque, an emblematic spot just a few metres from the harbour. The urban route, completely flat and certified by the Andalusian Athletics Federation, crosses the city’s main avenues and seafront. Along the way there will be aid stations at kilometres 5, 10, 13, 16 and 19, as well as pacers for finish times of 1:25, 1:30, 1:40, 1:50 and 2 hours.
It’s no coincidence that the 2025 edition ranked Málaga as the fourth fastest half marathon in the world: Kenyan runner Gilbert Kipkosgei Kiprotich stopped the clock at 58:27, while his compatriot Loice Chemnung won the women’s race in 1:05:46. These times make Málaga the seventh fastest half marathon in history, behind only the major races in Barcelona, Copenhagen and Valencia. If you’re looking for a course where you can fly, Málaga is a sure bet.
Atmosphere, climate and tourism: why runners fall in love with Málaga
Beyond the numbers, the success of the Málaga Half Marathon 2026 can be explained by the festive atmosphere on its streets and the city’s privileged climate. In mid‑March temperatures are mild (around 15 °C at the start of the race), making it comfortable to run. Additionally, Málaga offers extraordinary cultural and gastronomic attractions: after the race you can visit its museums, stroll through the renovated harbour area or relax on the beach. The combination of sport and tourism turns the event into an unforgettable experience.
How to secure a bib and prepare for a winter half marathon
As of now all official entries are sold out, but the organisers have opened a waiting list in case any bibs become available. If you don’t manage to get a place, you can start planning your participation for 2027: registration usually opens at the end of the summer and sells out quickly. Remember these key dates for this year: bib collection will take place on 13 and 14 March at the Ciudad de Málaga Athletics Stadium, while the race itself will be held on Sunday 15 March at 08:15.
When it comes to training, preparing for a half marathon in winter requires a mix of consistency and caution. These tips can help you arrive in shape:
- Plan ahead: start training at least 12 weeks before the race. Alternate easy runs with a weekly long run, gradually increasing your mileage (no more than 10% each week).
- Include quality work: tempo runs and intervals will help improve your race pace. Integrate strength and plyometric exercises to strengthen your legs and avoid injuries.
- Make the most of cold weather: running in low temperatures improves efficiency; however, always warm up properly before sessions and wear technical layers to avoid getting cold.
- Take care of hydration and nutrition: even in winter, hydrate on long runs and practise with the gels or drinks you’ll use on race day. A balanced diet is key to recovery.
- Rest and listen to your body: incorporate at least one total rest day each week and taper your training during the two weeks before the race so you arrive fresh at the start line.
To plan your sessions efficiently you can use the SnapRace app, which allows you to create personalised plans, analyse your paces and share your progress with other runners. Having digital guidance will help you avoid common mistakes and stay motivated through the cold months.
Resources and further reading
If you want to dive deeper into training and racing, we recommend the following resources:
- A guide to the Málaga Half Marathon course and services with schedules, pacers and a detailed map.
- An article on the economic and social impact of the Málaga half marathon published in the newspaper Málaga Hoy.
- Another news piece demonstrating the growth of recreational running: the sold‑out of the Málaga half marathon.
- On our blog we’ve already analysed how to tackle the final stretch of a marathon in The Málaga Half Marathon 2026 has reached a new milestone by selling out its 12,000 available entries more than two months ahead of race day. This impressive growth confirms that the capital of the Costa del Sol has become one of the favourite destinations for runners from around the globe to chase personal bests, enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and kick off the spring season with a major challenge. Below you’ll find all the key details about the event, interesting facts and practical tips to help you get the most out of the race.
An event on the rise: sold‑out bibs and record participation
The organisers of the TotalEnergies Málaga Half Marathon increased the cap to 12,000 bibs in response to growing demand and yet they still sold out months before the race. According to local newspapers, 8,000 people took part in 2025; for 2026 the number of registered runners soars and places Málaga among the largest half marathons on the Spanish calendar. Here are some standout figures for the 2026 edition:
- 37% female participation, one of the highest percentages of any Spanish half marathon, showing a notable increase over the 34% recorded in 2025.
- 47.8% foreign runners from more than 80 countries. The United Kingdom leads the charge (more than 1,000 registrants), followed by Ireland, Norway, Poland and France.
- The province of Málaga continues to provide the largest contingent (more than 3,000 runners), followed by Madrid and other Andalusian provinces such as Granada, Seville and Jaén.
The international and gender‑balanced nature of the event not only boosts the local economy through sports tourism but also turns Málaga into a global showcase for both recreational and competitive running.
A course built for speed: route and record times
The main reason for the Málaga Half Marathon’s success is its course. The start and finish will be on Paseo del Parque, an emblematic spot just a few metres from the harbour. The urban route, completely flat and certified by the Andalusian Athletics Federation, crosses the city’s main avenues and seafront. Along the way there will be aid stations at kilometres 5, 10, 13, 16 and 19, as well as pacers for finish times of 1:25, 1:30, 1:40, 1:50 and 2 hours.
It’s no coincidence that the 2025 edition ranked Málaga as the fourth fastest half marathon in the world: Kenyan runner Gilbert Kipkosgei Kiprotich stopped the clock at 58:27, while his compatriot Loice Chemnung won the women’s race in 1:05:46. These times make Málaga the seventh fastest half marathon in history, behind only the major races in Barcelona, Copenhagen and Valencia. If you’re looking for a course where you can fly, Málaga is a sure bet.
Atmosphere, climate and tourism: why runners fall in love with Málaga
Beyond the numbers, the success of the Málaga Half Marathon 2026 can be explained by the festive atmosphere on its streets and the city’s privileged climate. In mid‑March temperatures are mild (around 15 °C at the start of the race), making it comfortable to run. Additionally, Málaga offers extraordinary cultural and gastronomic attractions: after the race you can visit its museums, stroll through the renovated harbour area or relax on the beach. The combination of sport and tourism turns the event into an unforgettable experience.
How to secure a bib and prepare for a winter half marathon
As of now all official entries are sold out, but the organisers have opened a waiting list in case any bibs become available. If you don’t manage to get a place, you can start planning your participation for 2027: registration usually opens at the end of the summer and sells out quickly. Remember these key dates for this year: bib collection will take place on 13 and 14 March at the Ciudad de Málaga Athletics Stadium, while the race itself will be held on Sunday 15 March at 08:15.
When it comes to training, preparing for a half marathon in winter requires a mix of consistency and caution. These tips can help you arrive in shape:
- Plan ahead: start training at least 12 weeks before the race. Alternate easy runs with a weekly long run, gradually increasing your mileage (no more than 10% each week).
- Include quality work: tempo runs and intervals will help improve your race pace. Integrate strength and plyometric exercises to strengthen your legs and avoid injuries.
- Make the most of cold weather: running in low temperatures improves efficiency; however, always warm up properly before sessions and wear technical layers to avoid getting cold.
- Take care of hydration and nutrition: even in winter, hydrate on long runs and practise with the gels or drinks you’ll use on race day. A balanced diet is key to recovery.
- Rest and listen to your body: incorporate at least one total rest day each week and taper your training during the two weeks before the race so you arrive fresh at the start line.
To plan your sessions efficiently you can use the SnapRace app, which allows you to create personalised plans, analyse your paces and share your progress with other runners. Having digital guidance will help you avoid common mistakes and stay motivated through the cold months.
Resources and further reading
If you want to dive deeper into training and racing, we recommend the following resources:
- A guide to the Málaga Half Marathon course and services with schedules, pacers and a detailed map.
- An article on the economic and social impact of the Málaga half marathon published in the newspaper Málaga Hoy.
- Another news piece demonstrating the growth of recreational running: the sold‑out of the Málaga half marathon.
- On our blog we’ve already analysed how to tackle the final stretch of a marathon in Generali Maratón Málaga 2025; many recommendations apply to the half marathon.
- If you’re interested in the technical aspects of running, don’t miss our article on the 10% rule and how to avoid injuries.
The Málaga Half Marathon 2026 promises to be a historic edition in terms of participation and quality. Whether you’ve secured a bib or are thinking of taking part in the future, the key is to enjoy the preparation process and the wonderful surroundings the city offers. See you on the Costa del Sol!
href=”https://snaprace.app/blog/generali-maraton-malaga-2025-record-de-participacion-novedades-y-como-afrontar-la-recta-final-del-entrenamiento/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Generali Maratón Málaga 2025; many recommendations apply to the half marathon. - If you’re interested in the technical aspects of running, don’t miss our article on the 10% rule and how to avoid injuries.
The Málaga Half Marathon 2026 promises to be a historic edition in terms of participation and quality. Whether you’ve secured a bib or are thinking of taking part in the future, the key is to enjoy the preparation process and the wonderful surroundings the city offers. See you on the Costa del Sol!