Málaga Marathon

Location: Málaga
Country: Spain
Website: https://www.generalimaratonmalaga.com/marathon-malaga-en/
2025 Marathon Date: 14/12/2025
2026 Marathon Date: TBC
Winning Time 2025: 2:06:08
% Sub-3s: 5-10% # Sub-3s: 500-999 Total Finishers: 3-10k

The Málaga Marathon is an annual road race held in the coastal city of Málaga, Spain, and has established a reputation as one of southern Europe’s fastest and flattest marathon courses. Staged each December, the event benefits from the mild winter climate of the Costa del Sol, with conditions that are well suited to sustained, even-paced running.

The marathon takes place entirely within the city of Málaga, the capital of the Andalusian province of the same name. Both the start and finish are located on the Paseo del Parque, a broad, palm-lined avenue running through Málaga Park directly in front of the City Hall. This central setting places the race at the heart of the city and allows the course to unfold as a single-loop circuit that combines urban streets, waterfront sections, and historic districts without repetition.

In profile, the course is notably flat and engineered for speed. It has a net elevation gain of zero, with total ascent across the full 42.195 km limited to approximately 107 metres. The route remains largely at sea level, with only brief, gentle rises where it crosses flyovers or road junctions. There are no sustained climbs, making the course particularly attractive for runners targeting personal bests or qualifying standards.

The route is designed as a tour of Málaga’s most significant cultural and architectural landmarks. Runners pass the Malagueta Bullring, Plaza de la Merced, and the historic Alcazaba fortress and Roman Theatre, before continuing past Málaga Cathedral and along the harbourfront at Muelle Uno. Sections close to the Mediterranean provide open views and a sense of space, while inland stretches move through the historic core of the city. The surface is entirely on paved roads, with wide carriageways that allow for smooth flow even in larger fields.

The Málaga Marathon operates under World Athletics and Royal Spanish Athletics Federation regulations and is included on the AIMS international calendar. It holds Bronze Label status and has seen steady growth in participation in recent years, attracting a mix of international elites and recreational runners. The December timing, flat terrain, and compact loop layout have contributed to its reputation as a performance-focused marathon, while the historic setting and coastal environment give it a distinctive character within the European winter marathon calendar.