Introduction. Spain’s capital is getting ready to come alive with running and music as the 48th edition of the Zurich Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Madrid approaches. On April 26, 2026, more than 47,000 runners will take over the streets of Madrid to compete in the marathon, half marathon and 10K on a course that blends sport, culture and over 30 live music points.
Nearly 10,000 international runners from more than 110 countries are expected to take part, making this one of the most global and festive events in the running calendar.
What is the Zurich Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Madrid 2026?
The Madrid event is part of the global Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, a circuit that combines running with live music in major cities around the world. The 2026 edition will take place on Sunday, April 26 and offers three race distances:
- Marathon (42 km): starts at 8:45 a.m. on Paseo de la Castellana with a 6-hour time limit.
- Half Marathon (21 km): also starts at 8:45 a.m., with a 3-hour time limit.
- 10K: begins at 8:00 a.m. with a 1 hour 30 minute cut-off.
The Madrid Marathon has been held since 1978 and has grown into one of Europe’s most iconic races. The addition of the 10K (2010) and half marathon (2012) has made it accessible to runners of all levels.
The event holds a World Athletics Road Race Label and stands out for its unique atmosphere, with live music performances throughout the course.
A course full of history and music
The race starts on Paseo de la Castellana, near Plaza del Doctor Marañón. From there, runners head towards the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, pass Plaza de Castilla and the AZCA financial district before entering Madrid’s historic centre.
The route passes through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, Casa de Campo and Retiro Park, before finishing on Paseo de Recoletos.
Along the 42 km course, runners will find more than 30 music stages, cheering crowds and a vibrant atmosphere. However, the course includes around 360 metres of elevation gain, making it a challenging race.
Distances, schedule and registration
Registration is open until April 10, 2026, or until bibs sell out. Approximate entry fees are:
- Marathon: from €150
- Half Marathon: from €100
- 10K: from €50
There are also adapted categories for wheelchair and handbike athletes. Due to high demand, early registration is strongly recommended.
Bib collection takes place at the Runner’s Expo at IFEMA on April 24–25 (10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.). The race pack includes a bib, official T-shirt and runner’s bag.
Training tips for the Madrid Marathon
Preparing for a marathon requires consistency and planning. Most runners should train 4 to 6 days per week, gradually increasing mileage and including a weekly long run.
Build up your long run progressively and aim for a peak distance of 32–35 km a few weeks before race day. Complement this with quality sessions such as intervals, tempo runs and hill training.
The elevation profile makes strength and endurance particularly important. You can include hill workouts and use heart rate training to control intensity and avoid overtraining.
Don’t forget tapering: reduce your training volume in the final 2–3 weeks to arrive fresh on race day.
Race day tips
- Arrive early: at least one hour before the start to warm up and find your corral.
- Use public transport: avoid traffic and access the start area easily.
- Wear tested gear: don’t try new shoes or clothing on race day.
- Hydration strategy: follow what you practiced during training.
- Enjoy the atmosphere: music and crowd support are part of the experience.
Prepare your race with SnapRace
The SnapRace app helps you plan your training, track your progress and analyse your performance in detail. You can build a personalised plan for the Madrid Marathon, monitor your metrics and share your results with other runners.
If you’re looking for a race that combines sport, culture and entertainment, mark April 26, 2026 on your calendar. Start training early, prepare for the elevation and experience one of Europe’s most exciting running events. See you at the start line!