The Generali Málaga Marathon is one of Andalusia’s biggest running events. In 2026 it returns on Sunday 8 November with two distances — full marathon (42.195 km) and half marathon (21.095 km) — a 8:30 a.m. start on Paseo del Parque, and thousands of runners filling the city centre. Whether you are racing or cheering, this guide covers the essentials from the organisers’ official information.
Before Race Day: Store Your Luggage
Many runners arrive on Friday or Saturday, pick up their bib at the Expo and stay near the centre. Dragging suitcases to the start area or the official bag drop is rarely practical. A locker in Málaga in the centre lets you leave travel bags (or your post-race change of clothes) close to Paseo del Parque and reach the start with your hands free.
Key Dates and Times
| Moment | When | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Expo / bib collection | Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November, 10:00–20:00 | FYCMA (Trade Fair and Congress Centre) |
| 21K and 42K start | Sunday 8 November, 8:30 | Paseo del Parque, opposite the University of Málaga Rectorate |
| Marathon finish | Same as the start | Paseo del Parque |
| Half marathon finish | After the half-marathon course | Plaza del General Torrijos |
Important: bibs cannot be collected on race day. Bring your ID or passport. If you cannot go in person, someone else can pick up your runner’s bag with your registration proof (and, according to the runner fair rules, authorisation and the registered runner’s documents).
Online registration is open at generalimaratonmalaga.com until Monday 2 November 2026 at 8:00 p.m., or until the 12,000 available bibs sell out. Participants must be adults.
Course: Faster and Flatter
Organisers announce new courses designed to be faster, flatter and with fewer bends (subject to federation homologation). Start and finish points and the official circuit are published on the event website; check the updated map close to race day in case of last-minute adjustments.
The race follows World Athletics and RFEA road-race regulations. The course is marked and signposted every kilometre.
Official bag drop
The organisation provides a race-day wardrobe / bag-drop service. Staff may ask you to open your bag before leaving it; refusal can mean they will not accept it. The organisation accepts no responsibility for items left there. That is why many runners keep travel luggage and valuables in a city-centre locker and use the official bag drop only for the essentials.
Marathon Expo at FYCMA
The Expo / Runner Fair is where you collect your bib and race pack. It is held at FYCMA, west of the city centre. Plan your trip from the hotel or the centre: Friday and Saturday afternoons are usually the busiest.
Useful Expo tips:
- Allow extra time; queues late on Saturday are common
- Keep your ID and registration confirmation ready
- Check shirt size and personal details in your runner area before you arrive
Getting Around Marathon Weekend
On Sunday morning there will be road closures in the centre and around Paseo del Parque. If you are not racing, walk or use public transport; driving is usually a headache. If you are racing, build in plenty of time from hotel to start: gathering begins long before 8:30.
After the finish, many people celebrate in the centre, at Muelle Uno or near La Malagueta. Having luggage already stored nearby makes it easier to change, shower and enjoy the rest of the day without rushing to the airport or train station.
Practical Tips
- Book early: hotels and lockers fill up on marathon weekend
- Collect your bib on Friday or Saturday: do not leave it for race morning
- November weather: Málaga is usually mild, but bring a light layer for the wait at the start
- Friends and family: Paseo del Parque and Plaza Torrijos are easy places to cheer on foot
- Always check the official website for course, schedule or rule changes
Combining the race with sightseeing? Browse our Málaga points of interest guide to plan the rest of the trip.
