Malaga Marathon: A closer look at the course

This Sunday, December 15, the Generali Malaga Marathon will take place, the fifth largest marathon in Spain in terms of participants (13,000 at the start). The event has earned its reputation thanks to ideal weather conditions for performance, but more importantly, its course. With its mix of asphalt and straight lines, the route is sure to attract more than a few marathon enthusiasts.

A 42.195 km Sightseeing Tour

18. That’s the number of points of interest along the course. The route is circular, with the start and finish at the Bank of Spain. The journey through Malaga will begin at the Picasso Gardens Malaga at 1.8 km. Runners will then pass several religious landmarks such as the San Vicente de Paul Parish Church (4.6 km) and the San Patricio Parish Church (5.5 km).

Participants won’t have much time to learn about the history of these iconic buildings before finding themselves on the beach. Between city and seaside, the variety of landscapes will delight participants. Other notable tourist spots include the Corpus Christi Parish Church (17.7 km), the Chapel of the Sacred Detachment (21.2 km), the Rosaleda Bridge (39.7 km), and the Church of San Juan Bautista (41.2 km), which will witness the race’s final meters.

A Fast Course Favorable for Performance

42.195 km, 181 meters of positive elevation gain: The foundation for a fast course suitable for both beginners and experienced marathon runners. In the heart of Malaga, running enthusiasts will enjoy an urban itinerary, passing through the main avenues of the sixth-largest city in Spain.

A significant portion of the marathon will also follow the coastline, featuring long straight stretches without elevation. The end of the course will be in the city center, offering a festive atmosphere as runners cross the finish line, making the final kilometers fly by.

A Masterpiece Until the End

The last two kilometers are designed for speed: a long straight stretch leading participants into a final sprint to the finish line. Last year, Kenyan athletes Charles Muneria and Pamela Rotich clinched victory at the Malaga Marathon with impressive times of 2h08’54 and 2h33’52, respectively.

This marathon course, one of the last of the year, is ideal for setting a new personal record in 2024.