Spain is running – and you should be part of it!
Between the sound of the Mediterranean waves and mountain panoramas, a running calendar comes alive, stimulating all your senses. Whether you prefer asphalt or trails, love beach loops or city circuits – the top running events in Spain offer amazing atmospheres, spectacular courses, and genuine excitement. From the Costa Blanca through the Pyrenees to the Canary Islands, each of these events brings you a step closer to running bliss.
¡Vamos! These Spanish running highlights you should know
Note: The order does NOT represent a ranking – here diversity matters more than prestige.
Before we start, you should read this book: The Big Running Book of Training Plans: Running training plans for every skill level
1. Mitja Marató Internacional Vila de Santa Pola
Close to the sea, started amidst a confetti explosion, and run along a coastal backdrop – the Mitja Marató Internacional Vila de Santa Pola gives you beach vibes from the very first step. The course is flat, fast, and sociable, dotted with cheering spectators and music stops. Perfect for personal bests or relaxed runs with friends. And afterwards? Tapas and sea views as a reward!
With around 7,000 participants, it is one of the largest half marathons in the world during the first month of the year.
Date: January
All information about the Mitja Marató Internacional Vila de Santa Pola
2. ULTRAMEDITERRÀNIA
An ultratrail that lives up to its name: kilometers of coastal stretches, plenty of elevation, and trails at their finest. With up to 170 km, the ULTRAMEDITERRÀNIA challenges endurance, focus, and motivation. But the reward is huge: fairy-tale views, Mediterranean climate, and a finish that gives goosebumps. The perfect proof: extreme and beautiful can go hand in hand.
Perfect for all runners who want to skip winter in the mountains and start the season with a trail run.
Date: January
All information about the ULTRAMEDITERRÀNIA
3. Barcelona Half Marathon & Marathon (Mitja Marató Barcelona & Barcelona Marathon)
Barcelona, baby! This city runs with you – past iconic architecture, historic squares, and beach promenades. Half and full marathons are accompanied by euphoric crowds that carry you to the finish line. And the weather plays along too: sunshine on the asphalt simply lifts your spirits. Personal bests, cultural fireworks, and tapas afterwards – where else can you get that?
The half marathon in 2025 saw a world record by Jacob Kiplimo, who became the first runner to break the 57-minute mark over this distance.
Date: February (Half Marathon), March (Marathon)
All information about the Barcelona Half Marathon
4. Medio Maratón de Sevilla & Sevilla Marathon
Seville dances and runs! The half marathon winds through charming cobblestone streets lined with orange trees and garlands. The marathon is flat, fast, and full of atmosphere – ideal if you’re aiming for a personal best. And hey: Andalusian flair after the run is just as rewarding as crossing the finish line. Olé!
Especially recommended for runners who didn’t get a start spot at other big marathons but still want a personal best in a major city marathon.
Date: January (Half Marathon), February (Marathon)
All information about the Medio Maratón de Sevilla and Sevilla Marathon
5. Tenerife Bluetrail
From the beach to steep heights – that’s the Tenerife Bluetrail. A trail classic that takes you through volcanic landscapes, cloud forests, and up to the summit of Teide. Challenging? Yes. Breathtaking? Absolutely! Those who make it are rewarded with a view that stays with you forever. A paradise for trail fans with an adventurous spirit.
Also ideal in combination with a vacation on Tenerife.
Date: March
All information about the Tenerife Bluetrail
6. Ibiza Marathon
Party at the start, party at the finish – the Ibiza Marathon combines island charm with running fun. The course takes you along breathtaking coasts, pastel-colored villages, and ends in a relaxed club atmosphere. Perfect for anyone who loves the after-run life.
In addition to the marathon, there are shorter runs over 22 km and 12 km.
Date: April
All information about the Ibiza Marathon
7. Penyagolosa Trails
A trail that leads deep into the heart of the Spanish hinterland – the Penyagolosa Trails impresses with steep climbs, rustic paths, and pure mountain idyll. For runners who love challenges and are rewarded with breathtaking natural panoramas. Mountain love at every step!
The longest run is over 100 km. The shorter variant at 60 km is still pretty tough.
Date: April
All information about the Penyagolosa Trails
8. Rock ‘n’ Roll Madrid Maratón / Madrid Marathon
A city tour like no other: music meets marathon – the Rock ’n’ Roll Madrid Maratón becomes a party on asphalt. Bands accompany you, the atmosphere pulses, and spectators cheer. Culture meets speed – with net performances at Plaza Mayor. And once you have the finisher medal, enjoy delicious Madrid cuisine on top.
If you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can also participate in the half marathon or the 10K. Personal bests are possible over all distances.
Date: April
All information about the Rock ‘n’ Roll Madrid Maratón
9. Transvulcania
A legend among trails: Transvulcania on La Palma. Elevation gain, volcanic trails, and breathtaking climbs await you. The island pushes you to your limits – but also into a spectacular landscape full of contrasts from sea to summit. An experience for trail addicts!
The original route is over 70 km long. However, there is also a marathon and half marathon, as well as a mountain run and a youth race.
Date: May
All information about Transvulcania
10. Zegama Aizkorri Maratoia
A classic of the skyrunning scene: the Zegama Aizkorri Maratoia leads through the Basque mountains with steep, cloud-covered trails and roaring crowds at every climb. Trail in rugged nature with passion – this is how beautiful pain can be!
The marathon run covers almost 3,000 meters of positive elevation gain.
Date: May
All information about the Zegama Aizkorri Maratoia
11. Gran Maratón Montañas de Benasque
Benasque rocks the high mountains: at the Gran Maratón Montañas de Benasque you run in the wild Pyrenees. Numerous passes, alpine trails, and breathtaking views make this race the perfect challenge for ambitious mountain runners.
The longest race is the marathon with about 2,600 meters of elevation gain. But there are also shorter distances. Both the marathon and the 28 km race reach the 2,700-meter-high summit of "Estibafreda".
Date: June
All information about the Gran Maratón Montañas de Benasque
12. Trail Vielha‑Molières 3010
The name says it all: 3,010 meters of elevation… pure Pyrenees power! The Trail Vielha‑Molières 3010 is not for the faint-hearted, but for trail fans who love running between glaciers, graywacke, and clouds. A salute to the mountain maniacs among you.
The 43 km main race has over 4,000 meters of elevation gain.
Date: July
All information about the Trail Vielha‑Molières 3010
Click "Weiter" to go to Part 2 of the most beautiful runs in Spain:
Kommentar schreiben