Zurich Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Madrid 2027 – Spain

What to expect

The Zurich Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Madrid 2027 is one of Spain’s major mass-participation running events, combining competitive marathon and half-marathon racing with live music, entertainment and a highly energetic city atmosphere. Organized by AD. MAPOMA as part of the international Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series, the event turns central Madrid into a huge running and spectator experience.

The 2027 edition will feature two distances: the full Marathon and the Half Marathon. The 10K distance that previously formed part of the event has been discontinued from the 2027 program, leaving the two longer races as the official competitive distances.

What makes this event particularly distinctive is the combination of road racing and entertainment. The organizer promotes more than 30 music and entertainment points along the course, giving runners live performances, cheering crowds and a festival-style atmosphere as they move through Madrid.

The event is also highly international. The organizer says the race attracts more than 10,000 foreign runners representing more than 110 countries, while the total field planned for the 2027 edition is 47,000 participants.

The 2027 field is expected to be especially competitive because demand has already been exceptionally high. During the loyalty registration phase, 18,570 runners confirmed places, including 5,648 marathon runners and 12,922 half-marathon runners. The organizer has planned 47,000 total bibs, divided between 17,000 marathon places and 30,000 half-marathon places.

For visitors, the race provides an opportunity to combine a major European running event with Madrid’s museums, historic districts, restaurants, parks and nightlife. For participants, the event offers a mixture of serious competition and entertainment that is characteristic of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series brand.

Match/event dates

The Zurich Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Madrid 2027 will take place on April 25, 2027.

The official event information confirms the 2027 race date and lists both the Marathon and Half Marathon as the two official distances. The exact starting times for the first waves remain to be determined by the organizer.

The Runner’s Expo will be held at IFEMA – Feria de Madrid, where participants collect their bibs, official shirt and runner bag. The official FAQ currently lists the Expo opening period as April 23 and April 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

No race-day bib collection is permitted. Participants must collect their race materials during the designated Expo period and bring the required identification and registration documentation.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Stadium & sports venue

The Zurich Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Madrid is not a stadium-based competition. Madrid’s streets form the main sporting venue, with the course passing through major avenues, central districts and recognizable landmarks.

The official starting area is on Paseo de la Castellana, close to Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz. The finish area is located on Paseo de Recoletos between Plaza de Cibeles and Plaza de Colón.

The urban course is designed to showcase Madrid while providing a demanding road-running environment. Previous course information has included major sections around Paseo de la Castellana, Plaza de España, Casa de Campo, Atocha and Paseo de Recoletos.

The marathon course covers 42.195 kilometers, while the half marathon covers 21.097 kilometers. The courses are officially recognized and homologated under Spanish athletics regulations.

Because the event takes place on public roads, significant traffic management and temporary road closures are required. This makes public transport particularly important for both runners and spectators.

Full fixture or event schedule

The event is built around several connected activities rather than one isolated race.

Runner’s Expo: The official Expo at IFEMA is the principal pre-race meeting point. Participants collect their bib, race shirt and runner bag while visitors can experience sponsor activations, running products and event entertainment.

Bib collection: Every participant must collect their race materials at the Expo. A registration confirmation or QR code and photo identification are required. The organizer does not provide race-day bib collection.

Marathon: The full 42.195-kilometer race is the longest and most demanding competitive event.

Half Marathon: The 21.097-kilometer race provides a shorter alternative for runners who want to experience the event without completing the full marathon distance.

Entertainment program: Music and entertainment stations are positioned throughout the course, creating a festival atmosphere for participants and spectators.

Finish-area activities: The finish zone provides post-race services, medal-related activities, refreshments and facilities for runners.

Official results: Participants can follow results and runner progress through the event’s official digital services, while final classifications are published after the relevant verification and claims procedures.

The organizer may adjust operational details, wave arrangements, entertainment locations and participant services, so runners should review the final instructions issued before traveling.

Teams, athletes & participants

There are no traditional teams competing against each other. The Zurich Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Madrid is an individual road-running competition featuring elite athletes, club runners, recreational participants, international runners and age-group competitors.

The planned 47,000-person field is divided between 17,000 marathon places and 30,000 half-marathon places.

Participants can include:

• Elite marathon and half-marathon athletes
• Competitive club runners
• Amateur and recreational runners
• International participants
• Spanish regional and national runners
• Age-group competitors
• Corporate and charity runners
• First-time marathon and half-marathon participants

The international character is one of the event’s strongest features. The organizer reports more than 10,000 foreign runners from over 110 countries, making the race a significant destination event for international running tourism.

Elite athletes compete for overall honors, while recreational participants often use the race as a personal challenge, personal-best attempt, charity experience or opportunity to run through the center of Madrid.

Pacers are another important part of the participant experience. Previous official race information has provided marathon pacing groups for target times ranging from under three hours through five hours, helping runners maintain a consistent pace toward their goals.

Tournament format & competition structure

Although the event is not technically a tournament, its competition structure follows standard road-racing principles.

Marathon: Participants complete 42.195 kilometers on a certified urban course.

Half Marathon: Participants complete 21.097 kilometers on the corresponding certified route.

Starting waves: Runners are divided into starting waves based on their declared performance information and assigned corral.

Elite competition: Elite men and women compete for the overall race victories.

Age categories: Results are separated into the categories established by the event regulations and Spanish athletics rules.

Timing: Electronic timing is used to establish official and net results.

Pacers: Designated pacers help runners maintain specific target finishing times.

The course is completely urban and closed to ordinary traffic while the races are underway. Unauthorized vehicles and bicycles are not permitted to follow participants.

The marathon has a six-hour time limit under the organizer’s published race information, while the half marathon has a shorter maximum completion period. Participants who fall outside the required pace may be directed toward the finish using the event’s closing procedures.

Match/event times

The exact first-wave starting times for both 2027 distances are currently listed as to be determined by the organizer. Several starting waves are expected, allowing the large field to enter the course in an organized manner.

Marathon: First-wave start time to be confirmed.

Half Marathon: First-wave start time to be confirmed.

Starting waves: Participants are assigned corrals according to their expected performance and registration information.

Marathon time limit: Six hours under the published race regulations.

Runner’s Expo: Participant services operate during the published Expo opening hours.

Runners should check their final race instructions before traveling because the official start information, access procedures, corrals and transport arrangements are confirmed through the organizer’s final participant communications.

Ticket types

The Zurich Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Madrid uses race registration rather than conventional spectator tickets. Spectators can watch the road race from public areas along the course, while runners purchase an official race entry.

The organizer’s current 2027 registration system does not expose all pricing figures as readable text on its public registration page. Therefore, the previous published registration prices are the safest reference for budgeting.

Marathon entry: The previously published full registration price was approximately $174, based on a $150 equivalent entry fee converted to USD.

Half Marathon entry: The previously published full registration price was approximately $116, based on a $100 equivalent entry fee converted to USD.

RFEA day license: Participants without the required Spanish athletics federation license may need to purchase the mandatory day license through registration. The current official registration information lists the fee as approximately $5 when converted to USD.

The actual 2027 registration amount can vary according to registration stage and availability, so participants should use the official registration system for the final payable amount.

Ticket release phases

The organizer introduced a structured registration model for the 2027 edition because demand has significantly exceeded available places in previous editions.

Loyalty phase: The first opportunity is reserved for runners who participated in the previous edition. These participants receive priority access and a guaranteed opportunity to secure a bib during the loyalty window.

Priority phase: The second phase is aimed at runners who were previously on the waiting list but failed to obtain a place.

General phase: Remaining places are then opened to the general public without priority.

Waiting list: Once all available bibs have been allocated, additional runners can join the waiting list and potentially receive places released through cancellations.

The 2027 allocation consists of 47,000 total bibs, including 17,000 marathon places and 30,000 half-marathon places.

The extremely strong demand means runners should register as early as possible rather than relying on late availability.

VIP & hospitality options

This is primarily a participant-focused road-running event rather than a stadium competition with traditional VIP boxes or hospitality suites.

The most enhanced experiences are connected with the Runner’s Expo, elite participation, sponsor activities and the organized runner services around the start and finish areas.

Runner’s Expo: The Expo provides an extensive environment for participants and visitors, with sponsor activations, running brands, products and event-related activities.

Elite experience: Professional and elite athletes receive dedicated race arrangements and compete for the top overall positions.

Premium extras: Optional services can include medal engraving, photography packages and official merchandise depending on the services offered during registration.

Corporate participation: Businesses and groups can use the large international race as a platform for employee participation, networking and brand visibility.

There is no confirmed conventional VIP hospitality package for 2027 in the currently published public information, so premium services should be checked through the official organizer before purchase.

Stadium & event rules

Participants must follow the official race regulations and instructions from the organizer, race officials, police and medical personnel.

Official bib: Every runner must wear the bib assigned to their registration. Running without a bib, using another participant’s bib or using a falsified or copied bib can result in disqualification and further sanctions.

Correct distance: Participants may only run the distance for which they are officially registered unless the organizer has approved an official distance change.

Course compliance: Runners must remain on the marked official course.

Unauthorized vehicles: Bicycles, motorcycles and other unauthorized vehicles are prohibited from following runners.

Starting corrals: Participants must use the starting area corresponding to their assigned wave.

Finish-line access: Non-runners are not permitted to enter the secured finish-line area with participants.

Medical safety: Runners should participate only if they are physically prepared for the chosen distance. The organizer strongly recommends appropriate medical preparation before undertaking the marathon challenge.

The race course is closed to normal traffic during competition, and local police enforce restrictions designed to protect runners and spectators.

How to get there

Madrid is one of Spain’s best-connected cities, making the event relatively easy to reach from both domestic and international destinations.

By air: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport is the main international gateway to Madrid and has extensive European and international connections.

By train: Madrid’s major railway stations provide high-speed services connecting the capital with cities throughout Spain.

By metro: Madrid Metro is the most practical option for reaching many parts of the start area without dealing with race-day road closures.

By road: Madrid can be reached by major highways from other Spanish cities, but driving into the central area during the race is not recommended.

The organizer specifically recommends public transportation for reaching the start. Metro stations serving the start area include Gregorio Marañón and Rubén Darío, depending on the route used.

Public transport & parking

Public transportation is strongly recommended because the race affects roads and normal traffic patterns throughout central Madrid.

Metro: Metro is generally the most convenient option for runners. Gregorio Marañón is served by Lines 7 and 10, while Rubén Darío is served by Line 5 and provides another access option for the start area.

EMT buses: Madrid’s municipal bus network normally serves the central areas affected by the race, but temporary diversions and suspensions can occur during the event.

Commuter rail: Cercanías services can be useful for visitors staying outside central Madrid and connecting to Metro stations.

Parking: The organizer advises against trying to park immediately around the finish because roads in the area can remain closed until the race operation has ended.

Visitors should allow additional travel time and check Madrid’s transport authority shortly before the event for temporary route changes.

Accommodation areas

Madrid has a large hotel market, with accommodation suitable for different budgets and travel styles.

Salamanca: This upscale district provides excellent restaurants, shopping and convenient access toward the central race area.

Centro: Staying in central Madrid is useful for visitors who want to combine the race with sightseeing, restaurants and nightlife.

Chamberí: Chamberí provides a quieter residential atmosphere while remaining close to the central areas and transport network.

Retiro: The Retiro area offers access to one of Madrid’s major parks and is well positioned for sightseeing and central transport.

Chamartín: This district is particularly useful for visitors arriving by train and offers numerous hotels and transport connections.

Argüelles and Moncloa: These neighborhoods provide additional accommodation options with good access to Metro services and central Madrid.

For runners, proximity to a Metro station is often more useful than choosing accommodation directly beside the race course.

Food & drink at the venue

The race provides organized hydration and refreshment facilities for participants along the course, while Madrid offers an extensive choice of restaurants and cafés before and after the event.

Previous official race information has included water and isotonic drink stations at multiple points along the marathon and half-marathon routes. Energy gels have also been supplied through official nutrition partnerships.

Course hydration: Runners should use the official refreshment stations according to their individual hydration strategy.

Energy products: Marathon and half-marathon participants may receive official nutrition products through the participant kit and on-course support.

Finish area: Additional refreshments are available around the finish operation.

Madrid dining: Visitors can choose from traditional Spanish cuisine, tapas bars, bakeries, cafés, international restaurants and modern dining venues throughout the city.

Runners should avoid making major changes to their nutrition immediately before the race. Participants should ideally use familiar foods and hydration products that they have already tested during training.

Accessibility

The event is designed to accommodate a large and diverse participant field, with accessible facilities and specific services for runners with reduced mobility.

Portable toilets for people with reduced mobility are provided alongside the general race facilities at start, finish and refreshment areas according to the organizer’s race information.

Accessible toilets: Dedicated accessible portable toilets are available.

Public transport: Madrid Metro provides step-free access at selected stations, although accessibility varies between individual stations.

Course access: Spectators with mobility requirements should choose viewing locations carefully because large crowds, barriers and temporary road closures can affect movement.

Expo access: IFEMA is a major exhibition complex designed for large public events and provides accessible visitor infrastructure.

Participants requiring specific assistance should contact the organizer before traveling so that current accessibility arrangements can be confirmed.

Best matches/events to attend

Although this is a running event rather than a tournament with individual matches, certain parts of the program are particularly worthwhile for spectators.

Marathon: The full marathon is the headline competition and provides the strongest elite-athletics experience.

Half Marathon: The shorter race is ideal for spectators who want to experience another competitive event with a more compact route.

Start area: The beginning of the races provides one of the most energetic moments, with thousands of runners preparing to enter the course.

Central Madrid: Sections passing through prominent areas of Madrid offer excellent opportunities to combine sightseeing with race viewing.

Entertainment points: The music and entertainment stations are central to the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series identity and can be particularly enjoyable for spectators.

Finish area: Paseo de Recoletos provides one of the main spectator opportunities as runners complete their races.

Runner’s Expo: Even visitors who are not racing can enjoy the Expo’s sports brands, sponsor activations and running-related atmosphere.

Previous year’s highlights

The event has developed into one of Madrid’s most significant annual sporting spectacles, with participation numbers reaching record levels.

A recent edition attracted 47,000 runners and sold out its available places, while thousands more people were reportedly left on the waiting list. This unprecedented demand led the organizer to redesign the registration process for the following edition.

The Runner’s Expo has also become a major attraction in its own right. A recent edition welcomed approximately 112,000 visitors across its two operating days, including runners, companions, families and sports enthusiasts from more than 100 countries.

The event’s international profile continues to grow, with foreign participants coming from more than 110 countries. This has helped establish Madrid as an important destination for running tourism.

Elite performances are another important part of the race’s history. The marathon course has produced highly competitive times, with elite runners targeting fast performances on Madrid’s challenging but visually spectacular urban route.

The event also generates substantial economic and tourism benefits for Madrid. Its large participant base brings visitors into the city, filling hotels, restaurants, transport services and other tourism businesses.

The combination of mass participation, elite competition, music, entertainment and sightseeing has made the Madrid race one of the best-known Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series events in Europe.

Official tickets

The official entry system is available through the Zurich Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Madrid website. Because the event has a limited number of marathon and half-marathon bibs and demand is extremely high, runners should use the official registration route rather than relying on unofficial sellers.

Official Zurich Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Madrid website (https://rocknrollmadridrun.com/)

Official registration information (https://rocknrollmadridrun.com/registration/)

The organizer has established 47,000 places for the 2027 edition, consisting of 17,000 marathon places and 30,000 half-marathon places. The registration process is divided into loyalty, priority and general phases, followed by a waiting list once places are exhausted.

Participants should make sure that their registration information is correct and keep their confirmation or QR documentation available for bib collection. The official FAQ confirms that identification is required and that race bibs are not distributed on race day.

For general inquiries, the official event contact number is +34 914 47 96 41.