The Madrid Marathon draws over 42,000 participants to the center of the Spanish capital in late April. As one of Spain's largest running events, it features three race distances on the same day: the full marathon, the half marathon, and a 10 km race. The event is part of the Rock 'n' Roll Running Series, incorporating music alongside running, with over 20 live concerts scheduled along the course.
The marathon route presents a challenge beyond a flat city race, particularly in the latter half where elevation changes complicate pacing. Participants include marathon specialists, half-marathoners, and 10 km runners who share the same race weekend. The Madrid race holds a World Athletics Gold Label. Its Rock 'n' Roll affiliation connects it to a series of races in approximately a dozen countries, utilizing concerts, shows, and lively aid stations to maintain an energetic atmosphere on the route.