Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon Running Every Year in Late April

Taking place in late April every year, the Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon (Maratón de Rock 'n' Roll Madrid) is not some watered-down running event, but an IAAF Silver Label Road Race that has attracted more than 10,000 participants in recent years.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series is one of the largest running events in the world, with 26 North American cities currently participating and an ever-expanding presence in Europe. In 2012, the official Madrid Marathon – which first took place in 1978 – was renamed the Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon, giving Madrileños the chance to join the 500,000 people who have already taken part in similar Rock ‘n’ Roll events.

The Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon course usually begins near Paseo de Recoletos, heads north past the Biblioteca Nacional de España and the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and then veers south towards Nuevos Ministerios.

Runners can then expect to pass Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace of Madrid, tear through Parque del Oeste, and make a loop within Casa de Campo before finishing inside the historic Retiro Park.

This being a Rock ‘n’ Roll event, participants enjoy live bands all along the route, culminating in a large outdoor concert with a big-name headliner. Past performers at the Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon include the Goo Goo Dolls, Counting Crows, Chris Isaak, Bret Michaels, and Sugar Ray.

A 10K is held in conjunction with the Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon, which might be a good choice for some amateur runners given both the undulating course as well as the city’s altitude (more than 2,000 feet) above sea-level.

A health and fitness expo also takes place during the week of the Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon.

Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon fees are €50 until December 31 (the year before), €55 from January 1 until February 28, €65 from March 1 to March 31, and €85 from April 1 until the race sells out. 10K fees range from €15– €25.