Meta description: Recap of the Malaga Marathon 2025 and its new course records: Mande Bushendich (2:06:07) and Misgane Alemayehu (2:24:43). Learn how the race unfolded, get the full results and relive the festive atmosphere on the Costa del Sol.
Malaga Marathon 2025: records, results and race report from an historic edition
On Sunday 14 December 2025, Malaga became the centre of the national running scene with a 15th edition of the Generali Malaga Marathon that exceeded all expectations. Under mild sunshine and temperatures around 18 °C, more than 22,000 runners across the marathon and half marathon started on Paseo del Parque. In addition to breaking participation records — with 66 % of entrants from abroad — the race will be remembered for the winners’ times, which smashed the marks from 2021.
An edition to remember: record turnout and an international atmosphere
The Malaga Marathon celebrated its most crowded edition yet. According to the specialist magazine Corredor, the organisers registered 22,000 participants split evenly between the 42 km and 21 km distances, with athletes from more than 90 countries. The mix of mild weather, a revamped course and a huge programme of entertainment drew thousands of spectators who lined the streets to cheer on the runners.
The new route — flatter and with more stretches along the sea — encouraged fast times and allowed both the men’s and women’s events to finish with course records. The pacemakers set a bold pace from the start and helped the favourites reach halfway in 1:03:18. This circuit design, coupled with the lack of wind, showed that Malaga aims to establish itself as one of the fastest marathons in Spain.
Men’s race: Bushendich shines in his marathon debut
In the men’s race, Uganda’s Mande Bushendich stunned the running world by claiming victory in 2:06:07 — more than a minute quicker than the previous course record (Mark Korir’s 2:07:39 from 2021). Corredor’s report describes how the lead pack stayed together up to kilometre 17, when the first attacks began. Halfway was reached in 1:03:18 and, after the pacemakers stepped off at km 30, Bushendich attacked bravely. From km 32 he moved clear and crossed the finish line to a huge ovation from the Malaga crowd.
Kenya’s Mike Kipkorir Chematot (2:08:12) and Norway’s Zerei Kbrom Mzengi (2:09:59) completed the podium. Spaniard Daniel Mateo, who had dropped out in Valencia a week earlier, finished seventh in 2:13:14, receiving an ovation from the local fans. The results underline African dominance but also highlight the enthusiasm of domestic runners.
- Men’s podium (42 km):
- 1st Mande Bushendich (Uganda) – 2:06:07 (course record)
- 2nd Mike Kipkorir Chematot (Kenya) – 2:08:12
- 3rd Zerei Kbrom Mzengi (Norway) – 2:09:59
- Other notable finishes:
- 4th Samwel Ekai Kiptoo (Kenya) – 2:10:09
- 5th Enyew Nigat Tamen (Ethiopia) – 2:11:03
- 6th Zacharia Krop (Kenya) – 2:11:35
- 7th Daniel Mateo Angulo (Spain) – 2:13:14
- 8th Habtom Amaniel Soquar (Eritrea) – 2:13:34
- 9th Alex Carter (United Kingdom) – 2:16:40
- 10th Maxwell Kortek Rotich (Kenya) – 2:17:21
Women’s race: Misgane Alemayehu breaks the women’s record
The women’s event was more tactical in the first half. A compact group of favourites passed halfway in 1:13:04. From kilometre 25, Ethiopia’s Misgane Alemayehu broke away with her pacemaker and maintained a steady rhythm to cross the line in 2:24:43, slicing seven seconds off the women’s record. It was an outstanding performance for an athlete making her debut in a major international marathon.
Kenyan Dorine Jerop was runner-up with 2:27:08 and fellow Ethiopian Alemitu Tariku completed the podium in 2:29:05. Spain’s Estefanía Unzu Ripoll, a regular on the national circuit, finished tenth in 2:50:09 according to official listings, showing that the local level continues to improve.
- Women’s podium (42 km):
- 1st Misgane Alemayehu (Ethiopia) – 2:24:43 (course record)
- 2nd Dorine Jerop (Kenya) – 2:27:08
- 3rd Alemitu Tariku (Ethiopia) – 2:29:05
- Other notable finishes:
- 4th Emane Seifu Hayile (Ethiopia) – 2:32:43
- 5th Kristina Hendel (Croatia) – 2:34:48
- 6th Yvonne van Vierken (Netherlands) – 2:38:14
- 7th Astrid Brathaug Sørsæt (Norway) – 2:42:00
- 8th Marit Haslie (Norway) – 2:48:44
- 9th Caroline Turner (United Kingdom) – 2:49:30
- 10th Estefanía Unzu Ripoll (Spain) – 2:50:09
Half marathon: international winners and a popular party
A parallel half marathon with 11 000 runners also took place, albeit without international elites. The men’s race was dominated by Dutch runner Nabil Chahboun in 1:07:58, ahead of Britain’s Sam Cook (1:08:00) and Sweden’s Mikael Seger (1:08:07). Estonia’s Laura Maasik won the women’s race in 1:16:36, joined on the podium by American Elizabeth Talbi (1:16:47) and Britain’s Anna Harrold (1:16:52).
- Top 3 men’s half marathon:
- Nabil Chahboun (Netherlands) – 1:07:58
- Sam Cook (United Kingdom) – 1:08:00
- Mikael Seger (Sweden) – 1:08:07
- Top 3 women’s half marathon:
- Laura Maasik (Estonia) – 1:16:36
- Elizabeth Talbi (USA) – 1:16:47
- Anna Harrold (United Kingdom) – 1:16:52
Keys to success: a fast course and crowd support
The Generali Malaga Marathon 2025 has proved that a well-planned route and outstanding spectator support are essential ingredients for fast times. The new course design — flatter and overlooking the Mediterranean — allowed athletes to maintain splits below 3 min/km for much of the race. The organisers also increased the number of hydration points and live music performances, creating a festive atmosphere that motivated both runners and spectators.
Another crucial factor was the weather. Mild temperatures and no wind favoured the performances of elite and recreational athletes alike. Combined with the broad international participation — more than 90 countries represented — the event elevated Malaga’s profile as a tourism and sports destination.
How to use SnapRace for your training and upcoming races
If the Malaga Marathon has inspired you to set your next goal, the SnapRace app can become your best ally. This free tool lets you create custom routes, follow training plans tailored to your level and receive turn‑by‑turn directions during your sessions. You can load the Malaga route or any other race to simulate the course ahead of race day and share your progress with friends.
SnapRace also provides real‑time data on your pace, distance and elevation, as well as weekly challenges to keep you motivated. If you plan to enter the 2026 edition of the Malaga Marathon or any other event, start training early and use the app’s features to plan your long runs, work on speed and familiarise yourself with the course. The next record-breaking story could be yours!
In short, the Malaga Marathon 2025 will go down as an epic race in which both course records fell and the event’s international spirit was cemented. The combination of a fast route, impeccable organisation and enthusiastic crowds shows that the Costa del Sol is an ideal place to run. Now it’s your turn to pick up the baton: set your goals, train with technology and enjoy every kilometre.