The route will cross Carabanchel Alto, Carabanchel Bajo, the PAU, and the historic area of the district, with a particularly attractive final stretch: the last kilometers descending along General Ricardos until returning to the Puente de Toledo.
The Carabanchel Half Marathon returns on May 24
Carabanchel is already counting down the days to one of its biggest sporting events of the year. The VI Carabanchel Half Marathon will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026, and will once again turn the district into an urban circuit for popular runners, federated athletes, families, and neighbors.
The race comes with two distances: the classic half marathon of 21.097 kilometers and a 10K race designed for those who want to experience the atmosphere of the day with a shorter challenge. The Madrid City Council sets the start at 8:30 AM and establishes participation for those over 18 years of age by the day of the event.
In just six editions, the race has established itself as an event with its own personality within the Madrid calendar. It is not just another half marathon: it is a large neighborhood race, with an urban route, a popular atmosphere, and a strong identity marked by Carabanchel.
Start and finish at the Puente de Toledo
The great image of this edition will be at the Puente de Toledo. Both the half marathon and the 10K will have their start and finish there, in a location that connects Carabanchel with Madrid Río and adds a special symbolic weight to the route.
The organization presents this point as one of the main attractions of the event: a historic, recognizable space closely connected to the district's identity. For runners and companions, it will also be the main meeting point before and after the race.
The change reinforces the Madrid character of the event. Carabanchel runs from one of its most emblematic entrances and finishes there again, after crossing different urban landscapes of the district.
Route of the Carabanchel Half Marathon 2026
The half marathon route is designed to cross the heart of Carabanchel. The race will pass through Carabanchel Alto, Carabanchel Bajo, the PAU, and the historic area, with a course that mixes asphalt, neighborhoods, large avenues, and areas with symbolic importance within the district.
According to the official race information, the half marathon itinerary includes departure at the Puente de Toledo and passing through the Marqués de Vadillo roundabout, paseo del Quince de Mayo, calle Iván de Vargas, avenida del Manzanares, calle Orgaz, Antonio López, Baleares, Condes de Barcelona, Antonio de Leyva, Vía Lusitana, calle del Thaler, calle de la Calderilla, calle Real, avenida de la Peseta, calle de los Morales, calle de la Torta, Pinar de San José, Jacobeo, Joaquín Turina, Eugenia de Montijo, Nuestra Señora de Fátima, Monseñor Óscar Romero, plaza de Carabanchel, Blasón and General Ricardos before returning to the finish line.
The circuit maintains the mark of a demanding race, but also introduces a very attractive element for those seeking pace: from kilometer 15 onwards, the gradient will be favorable until the finish line.
The last kilometers through General Ricardos
One of the main attractions of this edition will be the finish through General Ricardos. The organization highlights that the last three kilometers of the half marathon will run along this avenue until reaching the Puente de Toledo, with a favorable profile that can help those who have saved energy for the final stretch.
That detail is important for regular runners. A half marathon is often decided from kilometer 15, just when fatigue sets in. In Carabanchel, that section will coincide with a downhill part that can allow for regaining pace, overtaking positions, or aiming for a personal best.
For those running by feel, the finish also promises atmosphere: General Ricardos is one of the most recognizable avenues in the district and can become the great popular corridor of the event.
How the 10K race will be
The 10K race shares the start and the first part of the route with the half marathon. At kilometer 7.5, the 10K runners will take their own path towards the finish line.
The organization defines it as a fast and fun race, with the final 1.5 kilometers being very favorable, descending along General Ricardos to the Puente de Toledo. That profile can attract both runners looking for a personal best and those who want to participate in a more accessible distance.
The 10K allows the day to be opened up to more profiles. Not everyone is prepared for 21 kilometers, but they can consider a 10K race. That coexistence between two distances helps the event to have more atmosphere and more participation.
Aid stations and services for runners
The Carabanchel Half Marathon will have aid stations located at kilometers 5, 10, and 15. In addition, upon crossing the finish line, there will be a final aid station designed to facilitate runners' recovery.
The organization also highlights the role of volunteers, with more than 200 people involved in the development of the event. Their role will be key for safety, aid stations, entertainment, and participant support throughout the race.
Good management of aid stations, intersections, signage, and assistance can make the difference between a simply correct event and an experience that runners want to repeat.
Prices and registrations
Registrations are managed through Deporticket. The half marathon costs 16 euros for non-federated runners and 11 euros for federated runners opting for the Madrid Championship. Registration for the 10K costs 12 euros.
In all cases, participation is intended for individuals over the age of majority on the day of the event. The registration period is open until May 19, 2026, on the registration platform, according to Deporticket.
Bib collection will take place at the Islazul Shopping Center, at Calle de la Calderilla, 1. The scheduled times are Friday, May 22, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Saturday, May 23, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Bibs cannot be collected on the day of the event.
A half marathon with a nod to San Isidro
The 2026 edition will also have a special nod to San Isidro, the patron saint of Madrid. The organization itself emphasizes that the race aims to reinforce its Madrileño and popular character, linking sport with the festive identity of the district and the city.
This detail fits particularly well with Carabanchel. The district is home to places linked to Madrid's traditional castizo heritage, and the race takes place on a date very close to the May festive calendar.
The half marathon is thus presented as more than just a sporting event: a way to tour the neighborhood, recognize its streets, and turn the asphalt into a collective celebration.
Tips for running the Carabanchel Half Marathon
For those running the 21 kilometers, the key will be not to get complacent in the first half. The course passes through varied areas and maintains its challenge before reaching the favorable stretch from kilometer 15 onwards.
The practical recommendation is to start controlled, save energy in the first ten kilometers and take advantage of the final part if the legs respond. The descent towards General Ricardos can be fast, but only if the runner arrives intact.
In the 10K, the strategy is similar: avoid too aggressive a start, position yourself well in the first kilometers and save something for the last downhill stretch towards the finish line.