Seville Marathon: Your guide to one of Europe's fastest marathons

drone photo of the guadalquivir river in seville, spain
Your guide to the Seville Marathon SW Photography - Getty Images

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Seville Marathon is one of the fastest marathons in Europe. Famously flat, with reliably good weather, it is an excellent choice for anybody seeking a personal best.

The course records are testament to this. Ethiopia's Deresa Geleta hold's the men's record of 2:03:27, while compatriot Alemu Megerty holds the female record of 2:18:51. In 2024, 12 men ran under 2:08 and 24 women under 2:28 – officially making Seville the sixth fastest marathon in the world.

This year's race takes place on Sunday 23 February 2025. Here's everything you need to know...

What is the Seville Marathon?

As Spain's third largest marathon, Seville has become one of Europe's most sought-after races. Selling out in the first six months of registration, the marathon will see 14,000 runners take to the streets of Seville.

Many of them will have targeted the race for its PB potential. The course is the flattest in Europe and the mild temperatures – typically between 8°C and 18°C – are conducive to quick running.

Anyone can enter the Seville Marathon– unlike Boston, you don't need to have run a qualifying time. However, if you are aiming to run a Boston qualifying time, Seville is a good city in which to do it.

When and where is the Seville Marathon?

The Seville Marathon will take place on Sunday 23rd February 2025, with the first runners setting off at 8:30am. Both the start and finish line will be in Paseo de las Delicias, in Buenos Aires roundabout, near Plaza de España. Waves will be based on runners' accredited times, and set off a few minutes apart. There are seven start boxes between 2:45 and 4:00, with pacers available from 2:45 to 5:00.

What is the Seville Marathon route?

Designed as one large loop, the Seville Marathon takes you through an array of cultural sights on a very fast route. After setting off from the Paseo de las Delicias, the first 10k takes in the Pluente de la Bariqueta and Torre Sevilla.

At the halfway mark, you will pass Seville's Santa Justa train station, heading east towards the 25k mark.

Dropping back down, you will pass Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium and the Plaza de España, before turning an abrupt corner at the Estadio Benito Villamarín, to head back into the central city.

The last 10km is an inner loop of the city, passing by the La Macarena and La Giralda. You will finish back at the Paseo de las Delicias, where you will receive a goody bag for completing the race.

The route will be signposted and marshalled. But for those of you who are big Strava fans, the Seville Marathon has created a Strava group for participants to join.

map of the zurich marathon in sevilla with key landmarks and route indicators
Seville Marathon

Where can I collect my race bib?

You will be able to collect your race bib at the Runners' Exhibition (Feria del Corredor) on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 February. You must show your registration receipt and a form of photo ID (passport, driving licence) to collect your race bib.

If you can't collect your bib, it may be collected by another person providing that they have your registration receipt, a photocopy of the runner's identity card and an authorisation signed by the runner.

No bibs will be handed out on race day. It is also important that you wear your race bib on the front of your torso and that it's fully visible. Modifying your bibs is also a big no-no. The bibs contain a disposable chip so any modifying could affect your results on race day. No chip, no time.

Is there a baggage service?

Yes, there will be a bag-drop off available on the day of the race. Details about the location will be available nearer to the race date.

Will there be nutrition and water on the course?

Yes. The Seville Marathon has plenty of water and food stations along the course. Stations supplying water will be at kilometres 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40. Between them will be stations of water and isotonic drinks at kilometres 7.5, 12.5, 17.5, 22.5, 27.5, 32.5 and 37.5. From 22.5km, solid food will be available.

Is there a race cut-off time?

Because of Seville's flat terrain, there is a relatively short cut-off time for this race. The finishing line closes at 2:30pm, leaving you a maximum of 6hrs to cover the distance.

Can I defer my place if I’m ill or injured?

Unfortunately, there are no refunds available once your registration is accepted. You can add a cancellation guarantee at the time of registering, but you will only be able to get a refund before Friday 31 January 2025. You can opt for either paying €7 (£6) for an 80% refund, or €14.16 (£12) for a 100% refund. You are also unable to give your place to another person, so make sure you feel comfortable with the idea of running a marathon before entering.

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