Course Map
About this Race
The Zurich Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon is one of the toughest of the major European city races, run at around 650 meters of altitude over a relentlessly undulating course that climbs and dips through the Spanish capital. The route takes in Retiro Park, the Gran Vía, the Santiago Bernabéu, and the city's grand plazas, with live music stages stationed along the way in the Rock 'n' Roll tradition. Held in late April, it can be warm, and the constant hills combined with the thin-ish air make even-effort pacing essential. The atmosphere is festive and music-driven rather than thunderous, and the terrain firmly discourages record attempts. It suits strong, hill-ready runners who want a lively, scenic challenge and care more about the course than the clock.
Course Insight
Don't be fooled by the festival atmosphere and the bands lining the route: Madrid is one of Europe's tougher big marathons, both hilly and run at altitude around 650 metres, a combination that quietly saps anyone chasing a flat-course time. The climbs come relentless and rolling rather than as one famous wall, so the course never lets you settle. Pace by effort and bank nothing on a descent you'll repay on the next rise. Spring can also bring sun and warmth to the exposed city streets. This is a strength runner's race, so come expecting an honest, grinding day rather than a fast one, and it rewards you.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to significant climbing (410m), tough late hills.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 410m
- Elevation loss
- 435m
- Highest point
- 729m
- Lowest point
- 578m
- Net drop
- 25m
- Start
- Paseo de la Castellana
- Cutoff time
- 6h 0m
Course Records
Race History
The Madrid Marathon traces its roots to 1978 as the Spanish capital's popular marathon, long run by the MAPOMA organization. Around 2013 it adopted the Rock 'n' Roll branding, lining the route with live music, and it has since carried various title sponsors including Zurich. Run at altitude over a famously hilly course past the city's landmarks, it has built a reputation as one of Europe's tougher big-city marathons. Held each April, it draws a large international field there for the challenge and the festival atmosphere as much as for fast times.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas (MAD)
- Best area to stay
- Sol and the Centro for walkable central hotels on the route, Salamanca for upscale elegant stays, and Malasaña for hip, affordable digs in a buzzing district.
- Getting to the start
- The start is central near the Paseo de la Castellana; take the Metro to a central station such as Nuevos Ministerios or Colón and walk to the start.