With February approaching, the city of Murcia is getting ready to host one of the most anticipated events on the running calendar. The TotalEnergies Murcia Costa Cálida Marathon 2026 will celebrate its 13th edition on 1 February with a flat, certified course designed for fast times. This guide gathers everything you need before lacing up your shoes: details of the route, how to register, runner services, training advice and ideas for enjoying the city and its surroundings. If you’re thinking of taking on a new challenge or debuting over the distance, read on.
Key facts about the Murcia Marathon 2026
Date, schedule and distances
The race takes place on Sunday 1 February 2026 with the start line on Teniente Flomesta Avenue beside the Segura river. The organisers offer three distances so every runner can find their challenge:
- Marathon (42 km): starts at 9:30 a.m. with a time limit of 5 hours 30. Participants must be at least 18 years old and hold a federation licence or purchase a day licence.
- Half marathon (21 km): shares the initial part of the course with the marathon and also starts at 9:30 a.m. The time limit is 2 hours 45.
- 10 K: starts at 8:45 a.m. with a 1 hour 30 limit. It’s perfect for those taking their first steps in road racing.
All three distances share an urban course certified by World Athletics. With a fast profile and just about 261 m of cumulative elevation gain in the marathon, the organisers expect around 10,000 participants. The event — run by the club Murcia Challenge together with the local authorities and the regional athletics federation — boasts a World Athletics Road Race Label. This badge brings international prestige and attracts both elite athletes and recreational runners.
Course and atmosphere
The Murcia Marathon follows a one‑ or two‑lap circuit (depending on distance) that takes in some of the city’s most iconic sights. Runners leave the banks of the Segura and head past the Cathedral square, the Episcopal Palace, the Manterola footbridge, the iron bridge and the historic quarter. The route is predominantly urban, with long straights and few sharp turns, making it ideal both for chasing a personal best and for soaking up the atmosphere.
Atmosphere is one of the strengths of this event. The finish line is set next to Murcia Cathedral, where families, friends and spectators gather to cheer the athletes. The whole city embraces the race: street bands, live music and residents applauding on the roadside provide an extra energy boost in the final kilometres. In 2026 the event also carries the World Athletics label, a sign that both the course and the runner services meet international standards.
Registration, bib collection and fees
Registration is open on the official website with various price brackets depending on the date and distance:
- Marathon: general entry from €88, with discounted rates for early birds. A federation licence or one‑day licence (€4) is compulsory.
- Half marathon: fees start at €35.
- 10 K: €23 for the standard rate.
Bib collection takes place on 30 and 31 January at the Palacio de los Deportes (Friday 5:00–9:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m.‑2:00 p.m. and 5:00–9:00 p.m.). Runners can transfer their bibs or take out cancellation insurance up to a few days before the race, with different refund percentages depending on the date. Remember: there are no race‑day entries.
Runner services and logistics
The organisers provide a wide range of services to make the experience as smooth as possible:
- Refreshment stations: every 5 km with water, isotonic drinks and, on the marathon, fruit and energy gels.
- Bag drop and showers: located near the start/finish area.
- Pacers: pace teams for finishing times from 3:00 to 5:00 hours in the marathon and from 1:20 hours in the half marathon.
- Finisher medal and technical T‑shirt: awarded to all runners who cross the finish line.
- Entertainment and side events: live music, a runners’ expo and a recovery area after the race.
If you’re travelling from outside the region, book your accommodation well in advance. Murcia offers plenty of hotels and hostels close to the start area. Arrive early to pick up your bib and explore the city. February in Murcia usually brings mild temperatures — between about 5 °C and 17 °C — and little rain, so plan your clothing accordingly.
How to prepare for the Murcia Marathon: training and advice
Good preparation is essential if you want to enjoy race day and reach the finish line with a smile. Here are some recommendations to shape your training in the months leading up to the Murcia Marathon:
- Start early: if you’re tackling the 42 km, plan a 12–16‑week training programme with a gradual increase in mileage. For the half marathon and 10 K, 8–10 weeks may suffice.
- Build distance gradually: add a weekly long run to accustom your body to sustained efforts. Begin at around 12 km and progress to 30–32 km at the peak of your plan.
- Work on pace: include varied sessions (easy runs, tempo runs, intervals) to train at your target speed. Fartlek and short intervals improve efficiency and speed.
- Don’t neglect strength: incorporate strength work (squats, lunges, core exercises) two or three times per week to prevent injury.
- Hydration and nutrition: use your long runs to test gels, isotonic drinks and foods you’ll use on race day. Murcia’s February climate is temperate, but regular hydration is still important.
- Listen to your body: rest is part of the training process. Respect rest days and don’t train through pain.
To organise your training, consider using the SnapRace app, which lets you create customised plans, log your sessions and monitor your progress. It also helps you discover safe routes near you and share workouts with friends to keep motivation high.
Beyond the race: tourism and culture in Murcia
Running the Murcia Marathon is the perfect excuse to explore a city full of history and charm. Take advantage of your stay to wander through the old town, taste the local cuisine and visit its monuments:
- Cathedral of Saint Mary: a Gothic–Baroque temple crowning the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga. Its tower offers panoramic views of the city.
- Real Casino de Murcia: a 19th‑century modernist building with an impressive library and lavishly decorated rooms.
- Malecón promenade and Segura river gardens: ideal for a stroll and post‑race recovery.
- Local cuisine: try paparajotes (lemon‑leaf fritters), meat pie and seafood rice in the city’s restaurants.
T he mild winter climate in the Region of Murcia makes the event an attractive getaway for runners and companions alike. You can combine the marathon with a visit to the beaches of the Costa Cálida or hiking in the Sierra Espuña regional park.
Conclusion: a unique challenge you won’t want to miss
The TotalEnergies Murcia Costa Cálida Marathon 2026 is more than just a race; it’s an experience that blends sport, culture and tourism. With a fast, certified course, a festive atmosphere and a city that welcomes runners with open arms, it has become an unmissable date on the Spanish running calendar. Whether you’re making your marathon debut or chasing a personal best, Murcia offers the perfect stage. Start your training now, plan your trip and don’t forget to download the SnapRace app to keep track of your progress. See you on the start line!