Carrera Papa Noel El Corte Inglés 2026

Thousands of runners, dressed as Santa Claus, fill central Madrid for the Carrera Papa Noel El Corte Ingles, a short Christmas-season race held before the holidays. It begins at 10 AM on Paseo de Recoletos, sending adults and children along a 4.5-kilometer urban route through the capital's center. The field is large for a fun run, with approximately 11,000 participants in its record edition. The red-and-white Santa suits are the primary visual element, while children under 12 are dressed as elves in green and white. Santa Claus leads the start from a float, giving the race the feel of a moving holiday parade rather than a typical road event. The race is popular and family-oriented, now in its many editions, but it maintains a competitive edge: Florencio Arroba won the men's race in 12:53, with Carlos finishing second.