An early-morning marathon in Málaga. The organiser advertises revised, flatter routes, but the rolling cut-offs still matter when you choose your goal.
01 Know what you are taking on
What is the race like?
Official maps & course details
Use the final course map and runner instructions for the exact finish access and meeting point.
02 Choose your approach
Find your race strategy.
Choose your goal. These are our pacing suggestions, based on the published course, rather than organiser instructions.
My first finish
Check the cut-off table before entering and make sure it fits your current training.
Start in control; do not bank time by racing the opening kilometres.
Pair any fuel needing water with the published stops and keep familiar products with you.
A PB or time goal
Use an honest target based on training and the forecast, not only the description of a flatter route.
Let the first few kilometres settle before adjusting effort.
Keep fuel and drinks organised so you can concentrate on holding form in the final part.
03 Know what is on the course
Drinks, fuel & toilets.
- Water and isotonic drink
- Water and isotonic drink at 5, 10, 15, 18, 21, 25, 27.5, 30, 32.5, 35, 37.5 and 40 km.
Toilet locations: a confirmed location list is not available here. Check the official course or runner map before race day; a drinks table does not automatically mean there is a toilet beside it.
Turn the station list into your plan
Mark the stops you expect to use and the fuel you will carry. If you use a gel that needs water, pair it with a published water point. Practise the products and cup or bottle format before race day; you do not have to try every item offered.
04 Before the start
Your race morning.
Times are local to the event. Work back from your own wave, allowing for the walk, toilets and bag drop.
The start
First start
08:30; further waves follow for the marathon.
Finish window
Time limit
5 hours 30 minutes from the final official start, with intermediate limits.
Your allocated wave, event emails and final runner instructions take priority. Read the guide for your distance before travelling.
05 Make the day work together
Supporters & getting around.
Plan your support
Agree a public meeting spot using the final course map. Confirm the exact finish approach before arranging a cheer or transport pickup.
The places below are viewing ideas from the linked route or spectator guide. Use your edition’s access map for barriers, permitted crossings and any crew restrictions.
2026 routes
Official spectator or route informationMake the cheer easy to find
Agree a named point, the side of the road and your likely arrival window. Share your bib number for official tracking. Pick a separate reunion beyond the finish exit and a backup if the phone signal is poor.
06 Before you book
Entry, fees & time limits.
Use the organiser’s entry page for the available places, current price and entry conditions.
Check official entry options- Online entry deadline
- 2 November 2026 at 20:00, or earlier if places fill.
Can you finish inside the time limit?
- Time limit
- 5 hours 30 minutes from the final official start, with intermediate limits.
Stay in the loop
Email me event updates.
Spend more time training and less time checking. Get the key updates for your race, straight to your inbox.
07 Make your training relevant
Practise for this course.
One thing to rehearse
Rehearse the breakfast timing for an 08:30 start and practise the drink-and-fuel sequence you intend to use.
08 Put your plan together
Useful before race day.
Plan your pre-run fuel
Explore meals and snacks around the time you have before running.
Explore the fuel plannerMake race fuel feel familiar
Understand how to practise taking carbohydrate during longer runs.
Read the guideArrive ready, not worn out
Understand what changes in the final weeks before a marathon.
Read the guideA plan that fits your life.
Running, strength or both, with feedback and adjustments as your training develops.
Official race information
Use the organiser’s information for current entry terms, the published route and your final runner instructions. Course resources show their edition where it is known. Pacing and training suggestions are The Runner’s Journal’s guidance and should fit your experience, health and conditions.