Madrid Marathon: From Local Race to Must-Attend Event

Every April 🗓️, all eyes turn to the capital of Spain: Madrid! 📍 The beautiful city hosts participants for its legendary events: the marathon, the half-marathon, and the 10 km. Meticulously organized 👨‍🎓, the race continually captivates 🥰. The number one asset of the Madrid Marathon? Undoubtedly its course, but also its electrifying atmosphere from start to finish! The event has rightly earned its golden reputation (and its World Athletics label too), and we’ll explain how the Madrid Marathon has become so iconic on the global running scene! 🗺️

An Event Born from Passion 💓

Take a trip back to 1978—that's where it all began! Four running enthusiasts, inspired by their travels to New York and Berlin, decided to start their own marathon in Madrid 🐻. Funded by the city council and driven by the energy and dedication of volunteers ⚡, they created the very first event under the banner of Mapoma, a local running association 🏃‍♀️‍➡️. Interestingly, Mapoma began as just a group of friends sharing their love for running with Madrilenians 🤗. Over the years, the association evolved into a real sports institution, now managing one of the largest races in Spain 🤯. With unwavering support from the city council and assistance from a partner agency, Mapoma has crafted a unique marathon that has gained international prestige and continues to charm athletes from around the globe 😎.

A Phenomenal Success ✨

Photo Credit: Madrid Marathon

In 2024, over 40,000 runners lined up at the starting point 🚩. The 2025 edition is set to break this record with 41,000 participants and a waiting list of 5,000. The Madrid Marathon now competes with Spain's biggest races, like the Valencia Marathon. This event has become more than just a competition 🏆; it's a true urban festival, akin to traditional Spanish fiestas 🎊.

Especially since 2011, as the marathon became part of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Series! 🤟 Every six kilometers, a new concert stage is set up 🥁, adding a musical twist 🎶 and enhancing the festive nature of the event. Rock bands 🎸 accompany the runners, but that's not all! An after-race concert concludes the Madrid Marathon, making it even more spectacular ⭐.

This also creates a unique atmosphere, attracting runners of all levels! 🤓 Friendliness becomes the watchword, something the organizers have embraced and adapted over the years ✅. In 2010, a 10 km was added to the event, followed by a half-marathon in 2012. These formats have been a hit, drawing in up to 25,000 additional participants! 😍

A Demanding Yet Spectacular Course 🤩

Photo Credit: Madrid Marathon

The National Library 📚, the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium 🏟️, the Cuatro Torres 🌆, the Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, the Casa de Campo, and the Buen Retiro Park ⛲... These are just a few of the landmarks you'll encounter on your way! 😜 You could even say you're running through a landmark itself! 😳 The route of the Madrid Marathon is as iconic as the city itself. Known for being challenging, similar to the Athens Marathon or Biarritz's, be prepared for some elevation! With a hilly profile, the course will test your legs 🦵, but crossing the finish line will be all the more rewarding 🏁. Expect around 390 mD+ for the marathon… 📈 At least you can't say you weren't warned! 😅

The start, located in the modern district of the 4 towers, and the finish in the south near the Plaza de Cibeles, offer a complete view of the city to the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree 🌳. One of the highlights of the course is the crossing of the Casa de Campo park 🌿, providing a striking contrast between urban vibrancy and nature... A well-deserved break during these 42.195 km 💆‍♂️. This is also where the marathon distinguishes itself from the half-marathon, as runners part ways at this crucial point 🔑.

But Mapoma isn't just about the marathon ☝️. The association also organizes other major events like the Madrid Vintage Run, the mythical 10 km, and the only race in Madrid that offers a medal! 🏅 The Madrid Corre por Madrid is also highly anticipated by locals every early September 🎒. These races, limited in number of participants, focus more on the quality of the experience rather than the quantity 🤗.

This is how the Madrid Marathon has captured the hearts of tens of thousands of runners 🫶. It’s an international event that has maintained a human touch over the years 🧑‍🤝‍🧑. The Madrid Marathon now embodies the spirit of the city, with its streets closed for the occasion 🛣️, its residents turning into supporters for the day 👏, and flawless organization year after year 👑.