Málaga is getting ready to host one of the most anticipated athletic events of the year. The Generali Málaga Marathon 2025 will celebrate its most ambitious edition on Sunday, December 14, with an expected 22,500 participants—more than 40% growth compared to 2024—and a completely redesigned course that promises to be faster, flatter, and more spectacular. The mild climate of the Costa del Sol, Málaga’s passion for sport, and a very original rotating medal are just some of the ingredients of this race that closes the national marathon calendar.
Why Málaga is a special race
The Andalusian city has established itself as a running benchmark thanks to its blend of Mediterranean culture, historical heritage, and ideal conditions for running all year round. The 2025 edition is set to be the most crowded in the event’s history. During the official presentation at the Patio de Banderas of City Hall, organizers announced a strong commitment to improving services, expanding street entertainment, and positioning the race among Spain’s top marathons. The event includes both the marathon (42 km) and the half marathon (21 km), both officially certified and starting together.
Date, schedule, and weekend program
The Generali Málaga Marathon 2025 will take place on Sunday, December 14. Both the marathon and the half marathon will start at 8:30 a.m. on Paseo del Parque, in front of the University of Málaga Rectorate. To ensure a smooth start with thousands of runners, staggered waves and pace-based starting corrals will be used.
The weekend kicks off on Friday, December 12, with the opening of the Marathon Expo at the Cruise Terminal of the Port of Málaga, where participants can pick up their bibs and visit sports equipment stands. The expo will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday. On race day, the bag check will open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 8:20 a.m., so it is recommended to arrive early to access your starting corral without rushing.
A new course: flatter, faster, and with sea views
The big highlight of 2025 is the redesigned course. The organization has reworked the route to favor faster times, reducing total elevation gain and creating a more flowing layout toward the finish line. This circular design avoids high-traffic areas, adds more coastal sections, and places the most demanding point of the course—the climb to La Rosaleda—at kilometer 24, allowing runners to better manage their effort.
The half marathon shares much of this route, but its finish line is located on Avenida Cánovas del Castillo, near the La Malagueta bullring. This setup allows 21 km runners to enjoy the atmosphere without overlapping with the final kilometers of the marathon.
Runner services: Expo, medal, and more
The Málaga event takes great care of its runners. The Marathon Expo will be the central meeting point to collect bibs, try running shoes, and attend talks. This year it will be held at the Cruise Terminal of the Port of Málaga, a spacious venue designed to avoid overcrowding.
Registration and practical information
- Distances: marathon (42.195 km) and half marathon (21.097 km).
- Date and time: Sunday, December 14, 2025, start at 8:30 a.m.
- Start location: Paseo del Parque (in front of the Rectorate).
- Expo and bib pickup: Cruise Terminal, Port of Málaga, Friday December 12 and Saturday December 13 (10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.).
- Expected participants: 22,500 runners (12,000 in the marathon).
- Time limit: 5 h 30 min for the marathon and 3 h 30 min for the half marathon.
- Additional services: free bag check, free public transportation with bib number, aid stations every 5 km, kilometer markers, and live music entertainment at various points along the course.
- Use technology to your advantage: apps like SnapRace allow you to create and share routes, follow a personalized training plan, and get turn-by-turn guidance during your sessions. You can load the Málaga course into the app, simulate the race, and compete with friends for extra motivation.
- Enjoy the atmosphere: Málaga is known for its enthusiastic crowds and musical entertainment. Use that energy to stay motivated and remember that running on the Costa del Sol is an experience that goes beyond the stopwatch.
A marathon to end the year on a high note
The Generali Málaga Marathon 2025 is shaping up to be a must-attend event for any runner looking for a fast course, pleasant weather, and a festive atmosphere. With its renewed route, commitment to sustainability, and record-breaking participation, Málaga aims to stand alongside other major Spanish races. If you haven’t chosen your end-of-season goal yet, this could be the perfect way to close out the year—running by the sea.
Ready for the challenge? Download SnapRace, plan your training, and mark your calendar. Málaga awaits you with open arms—and kilometers of history, culture, and sunshine.