{"id":2024,"date":"2026-02-18T07:11:56","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T06:11:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/snaprace.app\/blog\/?p=2024"},"modified":"2026-02-18T07:12:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T06:12:00","slug":"madrid-marathon-2026-course-schedule-registration-and-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snaprace.app\/blog\/en\/madrid-marathon-2026-course-schedule-registration-and-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Madrid Marathon 2026: Course, Schedule, Registration and Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On Sunday, April 26, 2026<\/strong>, the 48th edition<\/strong> of the Madrid Marathon<\/a> will take place as part of the international Zurich Rock \u2019n\u2019 Roll Running Series. This event, which also includes a half marathon and a 10-kilometer race, will bring together around 47,000 runners<\/strong> from more than 110 countries<\/strong> and turn the city center into a true celebration of sport and music. Its sightseeing route passes iconic landmarks such as the Santiago Bernab\u00e9u Stadium, the Cuatro Torres, Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace, Casa de Campo Park, Madrid R\u00edo, and the Paseo del Prado, while more than thirty bands energize every kilometer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key race facts: course, schedule, and categories<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The marathon will start at 8:45 a.m.<\/strong> from Paseo de la Castellana (between Plaza Gregorio Mara\u00f1\u00f3n and Plaza San Juan de la Cruz), while wheelchair and handbike participants will start at 8:30 a.m.<\/strong>. The half marathon shares the same start time, and the 10K<\/strong> will begin at 8:00 a.m.<\/strong>. The finish line will be located on Paseo de Recoletos, between Plaza de Cibeles and Plaza de Col\u00f3n, and will remain open until 4:35 p.m.<\/strong>. The organization sets maximum finish times of 7 h 49 min<\/strong> for the marathon, 3 h<\/strong> for the half marathon, and 90 min<\/strong> for the 10K.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Madrid course is demanding and totals around 360 m of positive elevation gain<\/strong>. It runs through wide avenues and parks, with some steep climbs in the first half and long descents toward the historic center. To support safety and performance, there will be aid stations with water and isotonic drinks at kilometers 5, 11, 15, 23, 26.5, 29, 32, 35.8, 38, 40<\/strong>, and at the finish. In addition, the organization will provide bananas and energy gels along the route for marathon and half marathon participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Registration is handled via Rock The Sport<\/a> and is open from May 6, 2025<\/strong> until April 10, 2026<\/strong>. The marathon bib costs \u20ac150<\/strong>, the half marathon costs \u20ac100<\/strong>, and the 10K costs \u20ac50<\/strong>. Reduced fees are available for wheelchair or handbike athletes until February 28<\/strong>. Registration includes a timing-chip bib, the official race shirt, and a runner\u2019s bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Runner Expo and bib pickup at IFEMA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bib pickup and race materials will be available exclusively at the Runner Expo<\/strong>, located at IFEMA \u2013 Feria de Madrid (Avenida del Parten\u00f3n 5). This event, also known as Expodepor, will be open on Friday, April 24<\/strong> and Saturday, April 25<\/strong> from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.<\/strong> The organization recommends arriving early to avoid crowds, although the process typically takes around 15 minutes<\/strong>. To collect your bib, you must present your registration confirmation (printed or digital) and a valid ID. You may attend with companions, but no bibs will be issued on race day<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the expo you\u2019ll find sports-gear stands, technical talks, and services such as medal engraving. If you want your medal to include your name and net time, you can purchase this during registration (\u20ac6<\/strong>) or at the expo (\u20ac10<\/strong>). Remember to fill in the medical information on the back of your bib so medical staff can assist you in an emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to train for a hilly course<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Madrid\u2019s rolling profile calls for specific preparation. In addition to long runs and endurance work, include strength training and hill sessions in your plan. An effective way to improve power and recovery is fartlek training<\/a>, alternating faster efforts with active recoveries. This method will help you handle pace changes and cope better with climbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n