Overview
The Malaga Marathon draws approximately 2,000 finishers on an urban road in Malaga, Spain. The course starts and finishes at the Muelle Uno waterfront. Very flat along the seafront.
Malaga Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Malaga Marathon 2026 race day
The next Malaga Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 8 November 2026 with a 8:30 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 117 m of climbing on a very flat layout.
Malaga Marathon course route
The Malaga Marathon is a coastal loop that starts and finishes at the Muelle Uno waterfront and follows the Mediterranean promenade through the city centre. The seafront miles are the easiest because they stay broad and flat, the more exposed promenade sections can be tougher in sun or sea breeze, and crowd support is strongest at Muelle Uno, along the main promenade, and near the harbour start-finish.
Malaga Marathon elevation profile
The Malaga Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 117 metres of climbing and 117 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Generali Maratón de Málaga uses open online registration at generalimaratonmalaga.com with no lottery or qualifying requirement. Sign-up for the December race typically opens in spring. The flat coastal course and mild winter weather attract international runners, but the field usually remains open until closer to race day.
Malaga Marathon course video
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Generali Maraton Malaga 2025: 3D Video Course Map | 42.2 km - Malaga
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Malaga Marathon elevation profile?
- The Malaga Marathon has 117 metres of total climbing and 117 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is very flat, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
- How long is the Malaga Marathon?
- The Malaga Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at the Muelle Uno waterfront.
- What time does the Malaga Marathon start?
- The 2026 Malaga Marathon starts at 8:30 am local time on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.generalimaratonmalaga.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- What makes the Generali Malaga Marathon special?
- The Malaga Marathon runs along the Costa del Sol seafront, tracing Malaga's stunning Mediterranean coastline on a very flat route. Runners enjoy views of the Alboran Sea throughout much of the race, while the city's year-round sunshine culture creates a festive, warm race-day atmosphere.
- Who sponsors the Malaga Marathon?
- Generali is the title sponsor, giving the race its full name of the Generali Maratón de Málaga. The insurance group also sponsors the Geneva Marathon, creating a pair of high-profile European events under the Generali brand.
- When is the Malaga Marathon held?
- The Malaga Marathon is typically held on the second Sunday of November each year. November on the Costa del Sol is one of the most pleasant marathon months in Europe — mild temperatures of 15–20 °C and minimal chance of rain. Visit www.generalimaratonmalaga.com for confirmed dates.
- Is the Malaga Marathon course flat?
- Very. The coastal route hugs the Mediterranean shoreline with minimal elevation change across the 42.2 km, making it one of the flattest marathon courses in southern Spain and an excellent choice for runners targeting a personal best in late autumn.
- What landmarks does the Malaga Marathon pass?
- The course passes Malaga's famous port and the Muelle Uno waterfront, the Paseo Marítimo along the seafront, and offers views of the Alcazaba Moorish fortress on the hillside above the city. It is a genuine showcase of Malaga's blend of historic culture and modern coastal living.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Malaga.

Murcia Marathon
The Murcia Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each February on an urban road in Murcia, Spain. Its terrain is among the flattest of Spain's second-tier city marathons. The route passes Segura River sections, wide avenues, and flat streets through the southeastern city. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027

Maratona do Algarve
The Maratona do Algarve draws approximately 1,500 finishers each November on a scenic coastal road in Vilamoura, Portugal. It is a late-season warm-weather option for European runners. The route passes marina roads, resort zones, and Algarve coastal scenery. Marina roads, resort zones, and Algarve coastal scenery make November's Vilamoura race a late-season warm-weather option for European runners on flat terrain.
Next race: Sunday, 1 November 2026
Maratón Internacional Elche-Alicante
The Maratón Internacional Elche-Alicante draws about 4,000 finishers each December along Spain's Costa Blanca. The course links Elche's palm grove UNESCO site with Alicante's Mediterranean waterfront and the Santa Bárbara castle views. December mild Alicante weather and flat coastal terrain make it a popular winter sun marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 22 November 2026

Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon
The Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon brings roughly 10,000 runners through Spain's capital each April with live music stages along the course. The route passes the Prado Museum, Retiro Park, Plaza de Cibeles, and the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium area on largely flat Madrid boulevards. Combining big-city landmarks with the Rock 'n' Roll series' entertainment format makes it one of Spain's most popular spring marathons.
Next race: Sunday, 18 April 2027
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