Running in Madrid

On the last Sunday in April, the streets of Madrid are home to Madrid Popular Marathon (called Mapoma by the runners), is one of the most important sporting events in Spain. This sporting event is billed at the IAAF with the category de Silver Road Race and forms part of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series, the world’s largest running circuit. This means that participants and an enthusiastic public who closely follow this event can enjoy live music on different scenarios that are strategically located along the route. There are two other races happening at the same time (a 10K run and a half marathon).

Mapoma is one of those races that you have to run at least once in your life, forgetting about the finish line (in spite of the new course, easier in the end, Madrid is a city located at almost 700 meters above sea level and it is quite hilly).The truth is that running a marathon in the Spanish capital where you can see at the same time the Palacio Real, Paseo de la Castellana, Santiago Bernabéu, Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace, Casa de Campo, Madrid Río is a very good opportunity to combine sports with the viewing of urban landscape beauty. In fact, the route of this marathon is considered one of the most beautiful in the world marathon circuit.

Every year Madrid celebrates the traditional San Silvestre Vallecana (a New Year’s Eve race) on the afternoon on the 31 st of December. Watch out for when the registrations starts because, even though the numbers increase each year, they run out in no time. There is no better, more fun and healthier way to end the year and welcome the new one. Around 40,000 runners take part in the fun race of this 10K run. Sports, party, costumes, artificial snow, effort and ambition are all part of this hugely popular race.

An attractive parcourse

The race starts in the financial district, on Calle Concha Espina, next to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and passes through tourist attractions like the Puerta de Alcalá, the Cibeles Fountain and Paseo del Arte (Art Walk). The marathon for pros finishes at Campo de Fútbol de Vallecas, the stadium in the Vallecas district that is home to the Rayo Vallecano football team. The finish line of the popular race is outside the football stadium.

The 10km course is an easy one, since it goes mostly downhill on the 8 first kilometres, with just a few climbs. Runners should save energy for the final 2 kilometres, which are especially tough between the 8 and 9 marks.

The Madrid Half Marathon takes the main streets on the first Sunday in April. The Madrid event, which is included in the official calendar of the International Association of Marathons and Road Races (AIMS), is considered to be the most important race in Spain over this distance (in 2020 it has been awarded the Road Race Label).

Madrid Half Marathon, organized by the A.D. Marathon, is a fun race (audience is cheering all the way and there are plenty of hills) that goes through the northern part of the city.

Madrid 5 Kilometres

If you’re in for an easier, shorter course, you might prefer Madrid 5 Kilometres.

The entire city can be a huge athletics track. Find some great areas to run in Madrid below.

EL RETIRO PARK

It’s one of the best places to train, especially for short- and mid-distance races. It features a 4.5km course around the perimeter and many dirt paths across the park. Paseo de Coches is a good spot for training series.

MADRID RÍO

Inaugurated in 2011, this huge park that flanks the river Manzanares for about 10km offers sports and recreational facilities for the entire family.

The flat, paved running path has distance marks on it and offers beautiful views of Madrid. For longer distances, you can take the River Manzanares Linear Park.

CASA DE CAMPO

It has a 16km perimeter of paved and dirt roads with uphill and downhill sections, all of them pretty easy to tackle. There’s a 4km area, El Bosque, for more intense training. There is also a large artificial lake, the Casa de Campo Lake, which is surrounded by a path to go for a run and practise sport whilst enjoying nature.

SANTANDER PARK

The park has an all-weather 1,200 meter long running track. The track loops the entire park with marker posts every 100 m in both directions. There are plenty of runners on the path, especially late in the afternoon and the park is home to numerous sports facilities such as football pitches, paddle courts, outdoor gym equipment and a driving range. It is great both for long a long run and for shorter timed series.* Park partially closed due to remodelling works, which are scheduled to be completed by 2023.

OESTE PARK

This park is a must-visit for the more experienced runners out there. Featuring numerous tricky hills, this park will provide you with a unique running experience, as you take in amazing scenery and sights such as the famous Egyptian Templo de Debod. It features dirt paths with plenty of hills, perfect for those who wish to train their strength and power.

DEHESA DE LA VILLA PARK

On the northwest of Madrid, Dehesa de la Villa is perfect for running. It has interesting climbs and sharp bends. It looks like a forest, with lavish vegetation. From Cerro de los Locos, the highest peak in the park, the views of the sierras are just spectacular. At the bottom of this hill, there is a flat path of approximately one kilometre, which is ideal to do rapid series (busy in the afternoons and at weekends).

ENRIQUE TIERNO GALVÁN PARK

Located at the southeastern part of town, it is one of the biggest parks in Madrid with 45 ha and it is home to a Planetarium and an IMAX theater. The running track is a 4km of irregular, almost completely dirt paths with several drinking fountains.

JUAN CARLOS I PARK

Located next to Feria de Madrid, there is a place for everything on its 150 ha. You can roller skate, ride the bike, fly kites... and, of course, run. It has a big 3 km loop, numerous paths and a small hill for series. Many businessmen working in the area run there after they get off work.

MANZANARES LINEAR PARK

Located on both sides of the river Manzanares and designed by the architect Ricardo Bofill, Parque Lineal is southern Madrid’s greatest lung. With a surface of almost 42 ha, this green area includes numerous facilities to enjoy nature in your leisure time without having to leave the city.

There is a 6 km loop on both sides of the river that connects to Madrid Rio, and provides spectacular views from its two observation decks.

The Race for Women (first or second Sunday in May) is the biggest women’s sporting celebration in Madrid, raising money for breast cancer charities. It features a course through the most touristic parts of Madrid covering approximately 6.3 km.

DON'T MISS

Madrid Top 10

Discover the city's most popular sights and attractions, from one of Europe's largest royal palaces to the magnificent Prado Museum and Real Madrid's stadium.