How to Enter the Madrid Marathon

Madrid, Spain’s iconic capital, has hosted the Madrid Marathon since 1978. In recent editions, 10,000 runners have lined up for the flagship race, while 45,000 participants take part across all formats. The Madrid Marathon stands out for its distinctly musical character. As part of the Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series, it is known around the world for its festive atmosphere. Like many European marathons, the Madrid Marathon is attracting more and more runners, and demand rises every year. Before you can make it to the start line, you’ll need to secure your entry.

✓ How do you enter the Madrid Marathon and line up for a truly rock ’n’ roll race?

No lottery for general entries

Join the Madrid Marathon, one of Europe’s must-run marathons. Everything you need to know about entering the 2026 edition.

The Madrid Marathon is an internationally recognised and highly popular race. Across all events, 45,000 runners gather on the start line, including 12,000 participants from around the world. Demand for Madrid Marathon entries is high, but getting in remains fairly straightforward. Unlike many major marathons, including the World Marathon Majors such as the London Marathon, New York, Berlin, Chicago, Boston, Tokyo and Sydney, Madrid does not use a lottery. Once entries open, it’s first come, first served for the next edition. Registration takes place on the race’s official website, where you can choose your event directly: 10K, half marathon or marathon.

Race bibs and runner packs are generally collected the day before the race or on race morning. Entry fees vary depending on when you register. For 2026, for example, the marathon entry fee is €95 before 1 December. After that date, it rises to €100 through 10 April 2026. Entries usually open in May of the year before the race. In other words, the earliest runners to register on the official website are the first to secure their bibs. General entries typically open in early October and close at the end of January for the marathon and half marathon. The organiser warns, however, that registration may close earlier if all bibs are sold. The marathon entry fee also increases as the race date approaches.

The Madrid Marathon’s charitable commitment

The Madrid Marathon organiser does not offer charity bibs, as many other major marathons do. Even so, giving back is central to the event. For every finisher, the Zurich Foundation supports the development of solidarity through running in Spain. This year, it is renewing its commitment by donating €1 for every female participant who reaches the finish line in the marathon, half marathon and women’s races. The foundation distributes the money raised to a range of charitable organisations. Zurich links each of its races to a charitable cause, with donations going to a different organisation depending on the event. In Madrid, the beneficiary of the Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K is AEFAT, which works to combat ataxia-telangiectasia. The aim is to give every finish line a charitable dimension and highlight the runners’ efforts: for each finisher, the Z Zurich Foundation makes a donation, strengthening the connection between sport, commitment and solidarity.

Planning your trip to the Madrid Marathon

The Madrid Marathon course takes in several of the capital’s most recognisable neighbourhoods and crosses the city centre. The flagship race starts on the Paseo de la Castellana. Football fans will struggle to contain their excitement as they pass the Santiago Bernabéu. The route also heads through the Cuatro Torres Business Area and historic, symbolic parts of the city. If you want to extend your stay in Madrid after the race, plan to spend several days there. Although the organiser does not offer an all-inclusive package, some travel agencies may be able to help. Always check that the race bib included in a travel package is an official one.

Volunteer at the Madrid Marathon

Like every major race, and plenty of smaller ones too, the event relies on staff, course marshals and volunteers handling refreshments, safety and entertainment. It’s an ideal way to experience the Madrid Marathon and soak up the atmosphere before taking on the race yourself the following year. The World Athletics “Road Race Label 2025” reflects the quality of the event and its organisation. Join a dedicated volunteer team ready to give everything to create an exceptional sporting experience for more than 45,000 runners. Over 16? You can volunteer by applying directly through the official Madrid Marathon website.

What about elite runners?

The Madrid Marathon welcomes several dozen elite runners every year. While it is not the fastest course on the calendar, the race records point to a relatively quick route. The men’s record has stood since 2019, when Reuben Kerio ran 2:08:18. In the women’s race, Siranesh Yirga set the record with 2:24:37. Elite athletes seeking entry and elite status must contact the organiser and provide supporting documents to confirm their request.

If you want to discover Spain’s capital while working up a sweat, what better way than lining up for the Madrid Marathon? Run through the streets of this vibrant city to a musical soundtrack and take on the marathon challenge. Securing your bib is relatively straightforward, but you’ll still need to plan ahead to avoid missing out.

✓ Find all the entry details for the Madrid Marathon