Is the Madrid Half Marathon Hilly?

By Michael Ferguson

If you’re planning to participate in the Madrid Half Marathon, one of the most common questions that comes to mind is whether the course is hilly. The answer to this question is not a straightforward one as it depends on what you consider “hilly.”

The Course Profile

The Madrid Half Marathon course has a few inclines and declines, but it’s not considered a particularly hilly course. The route takes runners through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Royal Palace and Retiro Park. According to the official website, the total elevation gain for the half marathon is approximately 100 meters.

What Runners Have to Say

Some runners who have participated in the Madrid Half Marathon describe it as challenging due to certain portions of the route being uphill. However, others find it relatively flat and easy compared to other half marathons they’ve run.

Preparing for a Hilly Course

Whether you consider the Madrid Half Marathon hilly or not, it’s important to prepare accordingly if you’re planning on running this race or any other half marathon with hills. Here are some tips:

  • Incorporate hill training into your workouts.
  • Use proper form when running uphill- leaning forward slightly and taking shorter strides can help conserve energy.
  • Don’t forget about downhill running- practice controlling your speed and taking long strides without overstriding.
  • Mentally prepare yourself for running uphill- stay positive and focus on your breathing.

To Sum Up

While there are some inclines throughout the course, overall, the Madrid Half Marathon is not considered excessively hilly. It’s still important to prepare accordingly for any race with hills by incorporating hill training into your workouts and practicing proper form when running uphill and downhill. With the right preparation, you’ll be able to conquer any course, no matter how hilly it may be.