The 19th Mann-FILTER Zaragoza Marathon 2026 will be remembered as one of the toughest and most epic editions in the race’s history. On 12 April, more than 9,500 runners took on a redesigned course that winds through Plaza del Pilar, the Third Millennium Bridge and other landmarks of the Aragonese capital. However, relentless rain and gusty winds were the true protagonists of the day. Despite this, the running festival never stopped. In this article, we break down how the race unfolded, who the winners were, key highlights from the day and why the 2026 edition sets the stage for an even brighter future for marathon enthusiasts.
Winners and overall marathon results
The battle for victory over 42 km was heavily shaped by the adverse weather. Kenyan runner Micah Kiptoo Kosgei managed the conditions better than anyone, claiming victory in 2:17:32. Behind him, Spain’s Mikel García Escocia delivered a heroic comeback despite muscle issues midway through the race, finishing in 2:27:43 and overtaking Morocco’s Mohamed El Talhaoui, who placed third in 2:28:42. These results were highlighted by Carreras de Montaña, which emphasised the race’s difficulty.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Ayantu Gemechu dominated from the start and, despite the strong winds, finished in 2:36:09. She was followed by Kenya’s Melan Chepleting Miskikhu (2:45:03) and Spain’s Mercedes Monzón Gimeno (3:13:27), who also earned the award for best local runner.
- Men’s podium: Micah Kiptoo Kosgei (Kenya) 2:17:32; Mikel García Escocia (Spain) 2:27:43; Mohamed El Talhaoui (Morocco) 2:28:42.
- Women’s podium: Ayantu Gemechu (Ethiopia) 2:36:09; Melan Chepleting Miskikhu (Kenya) 2:45:03; Mercedes Monzón Gimeno (Spain) 3:13:27.
Records fall in the 10K
If the marathon was an epic battle, the Zaragoza 10K turned into a record-breaking showcase. More than 7,000 runners took part, and local star Carlos Mayo made history once again, claiming his fourth consecutive victory with a time of 28:47. He not only won the race but also set a new course record, becoming the fastest Zaragoza-born runner ever on home soil.
In the women’s race, Cristina Espejo also delivered a standout performance. In a tightly contested race, she clocked 34:00, ahead of Raquel de Francisco (34:15) and Isabel Linares (34:59), securing her third consecutive win and another course record. The men’s podium was equally competitive, with Eduardo Menacho (29:08) and Pol Espinosa (29:49) completing the top three. Full results are available via Carreras de Montaña.
- Men’s 10K podium: Carlos Mayo 28:47; Eduardo Menacho 29:08; Pol Espinosa 29:49.
- Women’s 10K podium: Cristina Espejo 34:00; Raquel de Francisco 34:15; Isabel Linares 34:59.
Participation and key figures
The 19th edition was not only one of the toughest but also one of the most popular. According to the organisers, more than 9,500 runners took part across the marathon and 10K events. In the 10K, 40.9% of participants were women and over one-third were under 30 years old, reflecting the event’s growing diversity and youth appeal. In the marathon, 53.1% of runners came from outside Zaragoza province, and 7% were international participants, mainly from France, the UK and Belgium.
The harsh weather conditions forced medical teams to respond to falls, sprains and cold-related issues, as reported by Sport Aragón. Despite this, the atmosphere remained strong: local supporters filled the streets, cheering every metre of the course. Many runners highlighted the camaraderie and support, proving that running is about much more than finishing times.
A redesigned course rich in history
One of the highlights of the 2026 edition was its redesigned course. Following a proposal by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, the toughest climb — previously located at kilometre 32 — was moved to kilometre 17, allowing runners to tackle it with fresher legs. The result was a smoother, more engaging route focused on the historic centre and the city’s most iconic landmarks.
- Start and finish: Plaza del Pilar, with the basilica as a spectacular backdrop.
- New sections: Third Millennium Bridge, Stone Bridge, bullring and Paseo de la Constitución.
- Removed sections: the Canal Imperial bike lane and the underpass beneath Puente de la Almozara.
- Key landmarks retained: the Ebro riverbanks, Expo area, Roman Walls, Central Market and the final stretch along Don Jaime I.
Despite its faster profile, rain and wind turned the course into a technical challenge. Runners had to adapt to puddles, slippery surfaces and sharp turns, reinforcing the importance of training under varied conditions.
Tips for future participants
If you’re planning to run the Zaragoza Marathon in 2027, keep in mind that weather conditions can be unpredictable. Here are some useful tips:
- Train in varied conditions: include sessions in rain or wind to improve balance and efficiency.
- Work on hills: even at km 17, the climb remains demanding.
- Stay hydrated: hydration is crucial even in cold weather.
- Know the course: studying the route helps optimise pacing.
- Adjust expectations: in tough conditions, focus on finishing strong rather than chasing a PB.
Boost your training with SnapRace
For many runners, tracking progress is key to improvement. The SnapRace app helps you plan workouts, analyse performance and access personalised metrics. Its live tracking feature also allows friends and family to follow your race in real time. If stories like Zaragoza inspire you, try SnapRace and take your training to the next level.
Ultimately, the 19th Mann-FILTER Zaragoza Marathon 2026 proved that running is about much more than numbers — it’s about resilience, community and the joy of discovering cities one stride at a time. See you at the next edition!