Anyone might think that outdoor running was brought to Spain by an Englishman because the sport has been given various English names over the years. During the 1980s and 1990s, the awkward term ‘footing’ was used by Spaniards; it was synonymous with keeping fit and enthusiasts would run dressed in futuristic-looking, dazzling nylon tracksuits that are now almost legendary. By the turn of the new century, the name had evolved to ‘running’: it was the same sport but now had its eyes fixed on amateur athletic competition.

Madrid is tangible evidence that running is in fashion, as shown by the more than 120 fun runs that are held in the city each year. There are runs of every type and level, from themed races such as the popular Halloween Run where runners wear terrifying costumes, to more professional events such as the traditional Maratón de Madrid [Madrid Marathon]. However, the biggest running phenomenon is charity races: fun runs held by an organisation or company to make people aware of a specific cause—an educational, health, gender or integration issue—while raising funds to help the cause at the same time. Below is a list of the most popular fun runs in Madrid by season.

Spring, the most charitable season for urban athletics

In addition to being the season with the most city races, spring in Madrid is also the season when the world of urban athletics has its greatest number of charity events. For example, March sees the Carrera por la Esperanza [Race for Hope] which will be held for the tenth time in 2019. This fun, sporting event aims to raise awareness of rare illnesses. Its 5 km circuit loops around the Casa de Campo and bibs are €12 for adults and €8 for children. In turn, the Carrera contra el Cáncer [Race against Cancer] in March and the Carrera de la Mujer [Women’s Race] in May help to raise funds for research into this disease.

The Madrid Marathon and Half Marathon

The most important races of the year are held in April in the Spanish capital and the highlight is without a doubt the Maratón de Madrid [Madrid Marathon, or EDP Rock ‘n’ Roll Madrid Marathon]. It takes place each year on the last Sunday of the month and is the only race in Spain that lets runners qualify for the World Marathon Majors (WMM), the most important athletics competition in the world. It’s also a celebration in which less well-trained participants can choose to run shorter distances such as the Media Maratón [Half Marathon], 21 km around the city, or the 10 km race.

Summer races in an empty Madrid

For Madrid residents, the words “Madrid” and “summer” conjure up images of deserted streets and businesses that have closed for the holidays. That’s why the summer is the season with the fewest fun runs of the year. However, any brave souls who don’t find the heat a problem and want to have fun should know that since 1986 the Club Deportivo El Árbol has held the Carrera del Árbol [Tree Race] at the beginning of June, a family 5 km race that focuses on environmental conservation; the winner receives a sapling.

For the past 15 years, the Carrera Popular para la Lucha contra el Sida [Race for the Fight against AIDS] has also been held in the first fortnight of June. This 6 km race (850 m for children) is held in the Casa de Campo and around 3,000 people usually take part.

Autumn, the charity race season

In autumn, October and November are the months when most races tend to be held. The Carrera Solidaria Médula para Mateo [Bone Marrow for Mateo Charity Race] has distances of between 5 and 10 km and draws thousands of people to Vallecas in the middle of September to raise awareness about the importance of bone marrow donations.

The Carrera Down Madrid is held on 1 October and focuses on integrating people who are born with Down syndrome into society. This event has 10 km and 5 km competitive races and a 2.5 km race for families.

In addition, as an example of the huge number of races held to honour Madrid’s various neighbourhoods and districts, the Media Maratón Popular de Moratalaz [Moratalaz Half Marathon] is a less crowded alternative to the aforementioned Madrid Half Marathon. This competitive race has been held for nearly 50 years and runners follow its 21 km route through the streets of the Moratalaz district in the middle of November each year.

Christmas races to keep warm in the cold of Madrid

As to be expected, there are fewer fun runs held in Madrid in the winter primarily due to the low temperatures in the Spanish capital. Despite this, the San Silvestre Vallecana Popular e Internacional race takes place at this time of year; it’s one of the most emblematic and beloved races held in the city and has been organised for over 50 years. It’s held on 31 December each year in the Vallecas neighbourhood and today around 40,000 amateur and professional runners take part. Two competitions are held along its 10 km route at practically the same time: the mass race for running enthusiasts who wear costumes, and a professional race where great athletes from around the world compete for victory. A classic event that ends the year in Madrid.

The Carrera Solidaria de Reyes [Three Kings Charity Race] is also linked to the Christmas season; it is held each 7 January in the Pilar neighbourhood to give toys to disadvantaged children. It has 5 km and 10 km routes and you’ll often spot runners dressed as one of the Three Kings to entertain any families who come to watch.

University races in Madrid

Races related to university life are held throughout the year and their common aim is to promote the sport of running to people on campuses. For over 25 years, the Circuito Universitario de Cross de Madrid [Cross Country University Circuit of Madrid] has brought together various universities for 14 cross country running races, a sport where athletes compete over natural terrain.

Although only students, teachers and staff at the participating universities can take part in the final classification, 11 of the 14 races are open to non-university runners. The following races are usually the most popular: Universidad San Pablo CEU (2 December), Universidad Autónoma (16 December), UNED (13 January) and Universidad Complutense de Madrid (17 February).

Finally, don’t forget the Media Maratón Ciudad Universitaria half marathon which is held in March and celebrates its 39th edition in 2019. It is organised by the Universidad Complutense and Madrid City Council; runners complete turns around its circular 7 km circuit through the campus faculties until they have completed the standard 21 km of a half marathon.