If 2019 has seen you catch the running bug and set your sights on running a marathon then you might be disappointed to hear that the London Marathon is so oversubscribed by more than 100,000 runners that your chance of taking part our down to the luck of a ballot entry system each year.
However, thanks to the growing trend for marathon running, there are now events to choose from all over the world. This means you can combine a tough physical challenge with a holiday – truly earning your place in the sun.
Here are ten best sun-soaked running events in Spain, plus a bonus fun run, that still have places in 2019, where you can put all that training to good use, then reward your efforts in style.
1. Zurich Marathon of Barcelona
When: 10 March 2019.
The Barcelona Marathon is considered one of the most attractive in Europe. The favourable climatology that characterizes Barcelona combined with a fully urban circuit that passes through the main landmarks of great interest for the runner.
As well as the full marathon, there is a free 4km “Breakfast Run” on the Saturday morning which recreates the last kilometres of the 92 Barcelona Olympic Games marathon, starting from the Monjuic Mountain and ending at the Olympic Stadium with breakfast for all the runners.
Enjoy the rest of your stay in this iconic Spanish city with this handy 48 Hours in Barcelona Guide.
Registration open until 5th March https://www.zurichmaratobarcelona.es/eng/inscripciones_i.html.
When: 6 April 2019.
The Ibiza Marathon is a relative newcomer to the international running event circuit with the inaugural race launching in 2017. This year, over 3000 runners are expected to participate in the race which starts on the seafront promenade of Ibiza Port overlooking the Marina and the Dalt Vila castle, before heading inland and reaching the finish line on the east coast at Santa Eularia des Riu.
The race includes several parallel activities including the 42km relay and a 12km route on the same day.
A great way to relax on the Sunday after the marathon is to head to Benirrás Beach in the north of the island with its relaxed hippy vibe and unmissable drumming session every Sunday evening.
Registration is open until April with early bird discounts available https://www.ibizamarathon.com/en/registration-marathon/.
3. EDP Rock’n’Roll Marathon, Madrid
When: 28 April 2019.
For over 20 years, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Madrid Marathon has made running fun by infusing each course with live bands, cheer teams and more.
10k and half marathon routes also available on the same date.
Find some great budget deals in Madrid and enjoy the Spanish capital with this handy guide to 24 hours in Madrid.
Registration open until 21st April https://www.runrocknroll.com/en/events/madrid/register.
4. Sherry Marathon, Jerez de la Frontera
When: 28 April 2019.
The Sherry Marathon is a race with a twist. A unique opportunity to run through the impressive Jerez countryside – a landscape of sweet slopes and infinite vineyards soaked by the warm 20°s Andalusian sun – on a chalky trail and uneven terrain. You can even enjoy the fruits of the land along the run with sherry available to sample at the watering stops along the route! Perfect for runners with a drinking problem or drinkers with a running problem.
14k and half marathon routes also available on the same date.
Registration open until 19th April https://www.sherrymaraton.com/registrations.
5. Zafiro Palma Marathon, Majorca
When: 13 October 2019.
The Palma Marathon is set in the unique scenery of the beautiful city of Palma. Participants enjoy a course along the breath-taking promenade with views over the bay and the turquoise blue Mediterranean Sea, towards the cathedral with its stunning stained-glass round window, and into the historic old town.
10k and half marathon routes also available on the same date.
Check out Spain-Holiday.com’s sunny breaks in Majorca and the best sights of one of Europe’s best holiday cities, Palma.
Registration open until 6th October https://www.palmademallorcamarathon.com/english/registration/.
When: 19 October 2019.
The Bilbao Night Marathon is a truly magical event which starts at dusk, taking in the architectural sights of the city en route without the unyielding Mediterranean heat of the day and culminates at the iconic Guggenheim Museum, lit up against the inky night sky.
10k and half marathon routes also available on the same date.
Registration opens 28th February.
7. Fuerteventura Dunes Half Marathon
When: 2 November 2019.
The Fuerteventura Dunes Half Marathon is the only half marathon race in Europe with almost its entire course run on sand dunes.
The 21km route is not a particularly difficult one, running through the Natural Park of the Dunes of Corralejo but the 25°C heat and the varied running surfaces from stony to soft white sand, undulating dunes and more compacted hard sand along the route are just some of the adverse conditions the Fuerteventura marathon runners will have to overcome.
Check out Spain-Holiday.com for great deals on accommodation in Fuerteventura.
Registration is open until 30 October https://www.rockthesport.com/en/event/x-media-marathon-internacional-dunas-fuertevent.
8. EDP Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Marathon
When: 1 December 2019.
The mainly flat route of the Valencia Marathon and the mild December temperatures create optimum running conditions especially for novice marathon runners, although it is popular with runners of all abilities. The marathon starts and finishes in the spectacular City of Arts and Sciences, with the final leg of the route taking runners along a footbridge traversing the outside pools; a backdrop which will surely encourage tired legs to dig deep in the energy reserve for the final stretch.
Find great deals for your city break in Valencia, the third most popular city in Spain, and enjoy all it has to offer from architecture, to gastronomy and nightlife, with this Guide to 24 hours in Valencia.
10k route also available on the same date.
Registration open until 30th September https://www.valenciaciudaddelrunning.com/maraton-noticias/inscripciones-maraton-valencia-2019/.
9. Font Vella Lanzarote International Marathon
When: 7 December 2019.
With an average temperature of 19ºC the Lanzarote International Marathon takes place in December along a coastal avenue in the Island of Lanzarote, covering the municipalities of Costa Teguise, Arrecife, San Barlotomé and Puerto del Carmen.
With average temperatures in the low 20s in December, Lanzarote, located in the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa is a great winter destination for an active holiday with great hiking routes to explore and other outdoor sports.
10k and half marathon routes also available on the same date.
Registration open until 30th November https://lanzarotemaraton.trackingsport.com/events/modalidades.xhtml?l=en.
10. Zurich Malaga Cabberty Marathon
When: 15 December 2019.
Considered to be one of the best marathons in Spain, the Malaga marathon route is relatively flat and passes the main historic and architectural features of the city including the port, promenade and old town.
Half marathon route also available on the same date.
Find some great deals in Malaga city and enjoy the sunshine city of the Costa del Sol with this handy 24 hour guide to Malaga city.
Registration now open http://zurichmaratonmalaga.es/en/inscripciones/maraton/.
BONUS RACE: Vertical Running, Benidorm
When: 15 June 2019.
There is nothing “fun” about this Benidorm Vertical Run! It might only cover a distance of 180 metres, but your legs will turn to jelly as you tackle 52 floors and a total of 924 steps vertically running up the Gran Hotel Bali in Benidorm.
If the year-round nightlife of Benidorm seems too much to handle after your exertions, why not just flop on the nearest Benidorm beach and take a well earned break in the sun.
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