{"id":3406,"date":"2026-04-21T08:59:48","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T06:59:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/snaprace.app\/blog\/?p=3406"},"modified":"2026-04-21T08:59:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T06:59:54","slug":"madrid-on-the-move-against-cancer-2026-race-recap-and-results-of-the-green-tide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snaprace.app\/blog\/en\/madrid-on-the-move-against-cancer-2026-race-recap-and-results-of-the-green-tide\/","title":{"rendered":"Madrid on the Move Against Cancer 2026: race recap and results of the green tide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On Sunday, 19 April 2026, Paseo de la Castellana turned green once again. The 13th edition of Madrid en Marcha Against Cancer<\/em>, organised by the Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) under the slogan \u201cLet\u2019s take one more step\u201d, brought together nearly 35,000 participants \u2014 almost 8,000 more than last year \u2014 making it the largest charity race in the capital. In this recap, we revisit the atmosphere of the day, the winning times and the social impact of the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A record-breaking green tide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From early morning, central Madrid turned into a true celebration. The start and finish lines were located near Plaza de Col\u00f3n, and the course ran along some of the most iconic stretches of Paseo de la Castellana and Paseo de Recoletos. Entire families, groups of friends, cancer survivors and patients from the AECC\u2019s Oncology Exercise Unit joined club runners and casual participants in a day defined by emotion and solidarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Authorities were also present. AECC national president Ram\u00f3n Reyes and Madrid branch president Jaime Salaverri attended alongside representatives from the city council and the regional government. Both emphasised the importance of continuing research and humanising cancer care, while thanking the nearly 35,000 participants who supported the cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well-known figures also showed their support, including ski mountaineering Olympic medallist Ana Alonso, tennis player Paula Badosa, TV presenter Cristina Pedroche and chef Dabiz Mu\u00f1oz, who helped raise awareness and encouraged participants. Their presence highlighted that the fight against cancer goes far beyond sport and requires collective commitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Winners and standout performances<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most exciting moments of the morning came in the 10-kilometre<\/strong> race. Javier Mart\u00ednez, from San Sebasti\u00e1n de los Reyes, took victory in 31:51, followed by Gabriel Mu\u00f1oz (32:54) and Sergio Jim\u00e9nez (33:47). In the women\u2019s race, Ivana Zagorac \u2014 both researcher and athlete \u2014 defended her title, with Claudia Jal\u00f3n finishing second and Laura L\u00f3pez completing the podium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the 4.5-kilometre<\/strong> event \u2014 which many participants chose to walk \u2014 Florencio Arroba (13:58) claimed victory, ahead of Sergio Salinero (14:13) and Carlos Arroba (15:19). In the women\u2019s category, Laura Molina (17:18) won, followed by Carmen Herrero (18:28) and Paula Mart\u00edn (18:32). These results show that elite-level performances can coexist within a primarily charitable event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While podium finishes made the headlines, most participants had a single goal: to contribute their steps to the cause. Many crossed the finish line alongside relatives battling the disease or in memory of loved ones. The group of AECC cancer patients received a special ovation, symbolising hope, resilience and collective strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social impact and institutional support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The AECC emphasised that all funds raised will go towards oncology research and comprehensive support programmes for patients and their families. Companies such as Iberdrola, Mukua by Velilla Group, LVMH and several pharmaceutical firms supported the event as sponsors, while Telemadrid, EMT and Metro de Madrid contributed logistically. This combined effort demonstrates a strong example of public\u2013private collaboration for a shared cause.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond fundraising, the event also aims to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity in cancer prevention and recovery. During the day, speakers highlighted that regular exercise improves patients\u2019 well-being and may reduce the risk of relapse. Our Spanish preview on SnapRace<\/a> had already pointed out the accessibility of the course for both experienced runners and walkers, and the final participation numbers exceeded all expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for those planning to take part in 2027<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019d like to experience this sea of green in future editions, keep these tips in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n