Madrid: a run in the highest European capital
BlueBook explores the best running routes of the Spanish capital
With more green space than any other European city, the Spanish capital of Madrid is a great place to run. Situated in the city center, Parque del Buen Retiro with it’s winding pathways, huge statues, gorgeous fountains and row upon row of trees is a favourite amongst runners and joggers alike.
- Start: Plaza de Cibeles
- Finish: Plaza de la Independencia
- Distance: 6,2km / 3,8miles
Route
Start at Plaza de Cibeles and turn into Paseo del Prado. Pass the Museo del Prado and feel the serene peace when you enter Real Jardin Botánico. Run by the beautiful trees and take the lane upwards to Parque del Buen Retiro. Run till the roundabout and turn left. Take the second lane to the right and pass the impressive Palacio de Cristal. Run up to the north alongside the pond with rowing boats and Monumento a Alfonso XIII and turn right. Go left at the next roundabout and continue your run to the parc’s fence. Turn right. Leave the parc at Calle de O’Donnell and cross Calle de Alcala to enter the sophisticated streets of Salamanca district. If you fancy luxurious clothing you can do some windowshopping. Take Calle de Castello and run up to the north till Calle de Ayala and turn left. Run a few blocks till Calle de de Serrana. Turn left again and finish your run at Plaza de la Indenpendencia.
Where to fill up your tank
Feeling hungry after your workout? At Plaza de la Independencia you’ll find the trendy restaurant Harina. Sit down and relax at the lovely terrace or go inside and order a take away sandwich or choose something from their mouthwattery pastery.
Run the streets of Madrid with your personal guide
Feel Madrid´s true beat as you run at your own pace. Guide and personal trainer John Girardin points out famous sights and gives historical and local information as you run the streets of Madrid. Visit www.madridrunningtours.com for rates and bookings.
Shop and run
Need new running gear? Visit Madrid’s Running Company, located near Parque del Buen Retiro. Address: Infanta Isabel 21. Check www.runningcompany.net for opening hours.
Madrid Marathon
Every year in April the hilly city course of the Madrid Marathon takes in many of Madrid’s famous sights. The organisers refer to this marathon being ‘42km of Pure Madrid’ which is an apt way of summing it up. The Madrid Marathon has been awarded Silver Label status by the IAAF recognising the high level of organisation and is considered the 1st Ecological Sport Event in Spain by the National and Autonomical Institutions. For futher details visit the official website: www.maratonmadrid.org.
Did you ever run abroad? For what other destinations would you like to know local running routes?
