Chematot and Girma Triumph at Madrid Marathon Amidst Record 47,000 Participants

Madrid once again hosted its premier popular athletics event, the Zurich Rock 'n' Roll Running Series, drawing a record 47,000 participants across the marathon, half-marathon, and 10k races. This year's event not only set participation records but also saw a significant rise in female involvement, particularly in the 10k, where women constituted 56% of runners. This growing inclusivity highlights a positive trend in Spanish athletics.

The elite marathon races delivered exciting contests. Kenyan Mike Chematot secured the men's title with a time of 2h08:46, narrowly beating Ethiopian Asefa Mengisa. In the women's marathon, Ethiopia's Kena Girma dominated, finishing solo in 2h26:00. The half-marathon and 10k races also featured strong performances from both international and Spanish athletes, with notable wins for Spain's Isabel Barreiro in the women's half-marathon and Águeda Marqués in the women's 10k.

This year's marathon also achieved a milestone by joining the 'European Classic Marathons' (EMC) association. This initiative aims to integrate sport with tourism and culture, positioning Madrid's marathon as a significant event on the European sporting calendar. The success of this edition, marked by record participation and growing diversity, underscores the enduring appeal of road running and Madrid's capacity to host large-scale international sporting events.