Spain is one of the most successful nations in running and athletics in Europe!
Especially on the middle distance and on the long distance, up to the marathon, Spain's runners celebrated many international successes in the past, even if other sports are in the foreground in Spain.
In addition to soccer, many other ball sports, such as handball, volleyball, field hockey, basketball, futsal and water polo are very popular in the parliamentary hereditary monarchy. Cycling and tennis also have a great tradition. After the Tour de France, the Vuelta is one of the biggest cycling stage races in the world.
In the cities of Spain there are also some big running events, which are also internationally recognized.
The biggest running events in Spain
If you want to run a marathon in Spain, you have several options, such as the Marato de Barcelona and the Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon in spring, the Mallorca Marathon in autumn and the Maraton Valencia and the Maraton de Sevilla in winter. This means that throughout the year you have the chance to run in a major marathon event in Spain.
Spectacular finish at the Valencia Marathon
The Valencia Marathon at the end of November or beginning of December is traditionally the last marathon of the year worldwide, with world-class times over the 42.195 kilometers. An example pleases: in 2020, Kenyans Evans Chebet and Peres Chepchirchir triumphed with 2:03:00 hours and 2:17:16 hours respectively, both times that made it into the top 10 all-time worldwide. The highlight of the course is the finish, which was set up on a wooden walkway over a pond by the Ciencias Principe Felipe Museum.
Sightseeing in Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in the world anyway. A somewhat different sightseeing tour through Barcelona would be a start at the Barcelona Marathon. The course is a little bit profiled, but at least you get to see almost all the sights of the city. A few examples: You're guaranteed to pass Camp Nou and the Sagrada Familia on the 42.195 kilometers. The marathon in Barcelona has around 15,000 finishers every year - a top figure in Spain.
The Seville Marathon, which attracts around 10,000 marathon runners, also has top time potential. A great atmosphere is guaranteed at the Madrid Marathon. The marathon has about 300 meters of altitude, but the good atmosphere along the course will make you feel light as a feather. The field of participants is similar in size to Barcelona, with 15,000 marathon starters. In addition, a half marathon and a 10-kilometer race will also be held.
The fastest half marathon in the world
Valencia and Madrid are the hotspots of two incredibly fast half marathons. In the spring, nearly 15,000 athletes compete in the "Medio Maraton Madrid." The fastest run the 21.1 kilometers here in just over 60 minutes. The Valencia Half Marathon is even faster. Better said, it is the fastest half marathon on the planet. In the women's race, Kenya's Joyciline Jepkosgei ran a world record of 64:51 minutes in 2017. A year later, compatriot Abraham Kiptum did the same with 58:18 minutes. In 2020, Kandie Kibiwott of Kenya achieved the first half marathon time under 58 minutes on our planet with 57:32 minutes in Valencia. A year later, Letsenbet Gidey from Ethiopia ensured the first time under 64 and even under 63 minutes in the women's race with 62:52 minutes.
The completely flat course leads through the old town. The finish line is at the port of Valencia.
Mallorca is not only a vacation paradise
The island of Mallorca can be visited not only for leisurely beach vacations, but also for sports activities. The best example of this is the Palma de Mallorca Marathon. There is hardly any other marathon outside Germany, to which so many runners from Germany compete. At the beginning of the year, another marathon will be held on an island in the Canary Islands, the Gran Canaria Marathon. In addition, there is also a triathlon race in Mallorca with the IRONMAN 70.3. Other well-known triathlons are the Challenge Peguera-Mallorca, the IRONMAN 70.3 Marbella, the IRONMAN Barcelona and the IRONMAN Lanzarote. Lanzarote also hosts the Lanzarote Marathon towards the end of the year. This is one of the most beautiful marathons in the world.
Into the adventure
Don't feel like going to the big city and want to climb as high as possible? In Spain you have enough possibilities. A number of mountain runs and trails are sure to raise a few eyebrows among athletes. The Transvulcania on the island of La Palma, for example, is one of the world's largest ultratrails. The trail run has a length of around 75 kilometers. More than 1,500 athletes take on this challenge every year.
A mountain marathon that no mountain runner should miss is the Zegama Aizkorri Maratoia in Zegama. On the 42.2 kilometer course, almost 3,000 meters of altitude will put you in your way. The event is part of the Golden Trail Series. A third spectacular trail is the Salomon Ultra Pirineu. The ultra run has a length of more than 100 kilometers.
All Running Races in Spain (sorted by date) can be found in the following overview:
Running competitions 2026 in Spain
Transgrancanaria HG
 | 06.03.2026 ✔ |
| |
 | Las Palmas de Gran Canaria |
 | 128 km (7.500 Hm) / 65 km (3.200 Hm) / 42 km (1.000 Hm) / 30 km (688 Hm) / 17 km |
Click on "Weiter" for all races in Spain from April to June:
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