After more than a year of absence due to two cancellations for the reason that caused so many in the sport and that still has the world in suspense, the coronavirus pandemic, this Sunday the traditional Madrid Marathon returns, which celebrates its 43rd edition. Under the name of EDP Rock ‘n’ Running Series Madrid, it will take from 7:45 to 30,000 runners to the streets of the capital of Spain in its three races, marathon (8,000), half marathon (15,000) and 10K (7,000), in the largest popular sporting event held in the world since the outbreak of COVID.
“We were the first to stop and it took us a long time to start, but we are very excited to also be the first to bring together so many participants, because the one in Berlin, which is the same day, will have 5,000 fewer. We are very excited, with a lot of desire “, says David Rumbao, director of marketing for the tests organized by AD. MAPOMA. “There have been many months of uncertainty. The bet turned out well, because the authorities decided that it can be held safely,” explains Rumbao, who is “sorry to have told many people that they could not run because of the limitations that must be comply”. David highlights the reflection of his father and CEO, Pedro Rumbao, on the economic difficulties caused by the pandemic: “We must not forget that this event generates more than 40 million euros for Madrid in one weekend.”
Up to 5,400 foreign runners from 104 countries come to one of the world’s most prestigious events, which was born in 1978 as an experiment when a group of runners got together in El Retiro. In the marathon, Kenyan Edwin Kipngetich Koech and Ethiopian Webalem Basaznew Ayele start as big favorites. The records of the event were broken in 2019 by Reuben Kerio (2:08:18) and Shasho Insermu (2:26:24). And the Spanish protagonism will be in the middle, with the duels between Nuria Lugueros and Marta Galimany; Toni Abadía and Tariku Novales, and Chema Martínez and Carles Castillejo.
Keys to the EDP Rock ‘n’ Running Series Madrid
Racing and travel. Both the marathon (42,195 km), the average (21,097) and the 10k marathon will start from Paseo de la Castellana, at the height of Plaza de Gregorio Marañón and will end, with different routes, at the El Prado Museum.
Schedules. The 10k will be the earliest, at 7:45 in the morning. At 8:45, the marathon runners will start and then the middle runners will arrive at 11:00. They will be distributed in waves of 500 with 1.5 meters of distance between each participant.
Sanitary measures. Participants must present a complete vaccination certificate, PCR or antigen test done no later than 72 hours before. The mask, mandatory as long as it does not run and the refreshment will be in self-service mode. There will be no wardrobe, physiotherapy or podiatry, and rock bands will be replaced by DJs on the tour.
Information. The most frequent doubts can be easily solved in edprocknrollmadrid.com. The results will appear tomorrow in the official app of the tests, which will be broadcast openly on the TV channel BeMad.