The language that unites us also makes us run together. Thus was born Madrid Corre en Español, the first Hispanidad race, which this morning celebrated its inaugural edition with sport, music and gastronomy, turning Madrid into the stage of a true celebration of the Spanish-speaking world.
Nearly 5,000 participants in total joined this unique experience of coexistence and celebration, as part of the Community of Madrid’s activity program for Hispanidad 2026. Because sport can be a bridge between cultures, between continents.
At 10:00 a.m., Madrid Corre en Español began with the starting pistol fired by Mariano de Paco, Councillor for Culture, Tourism and Sport, who shed his suit for shorts to take part in the race’s premiere. “It has been a fascinating experience. This is what we want to convey with Hispanidad, that unity, that harmony among people along the streets of Madrid, through all its heritage. All running in Spanish, that language that unites us, that brings together a way of seeing life, in which culture, tourism and sport are included,” Mariano de Paco said upon reaching the finish line.
With start and finish at Puente del Rey, Madrid Corre en Español offered a spectacular route through the heart of the capital, passing through landmarks that are both emblematic and unusual for popular races, such as Puente de Segovia, Príncipe Pío-Puerta de San Vicente, Parque del Oeste, Princesa, Plaza de España or Casa de Campo.
The first to inaugurate the Madrid Corre en Español podiums were a Madrid Community classic, Alejandro Jiménez, world 50K silver medalist (32:26), and the Canadian athlete Branna MacDougall (35:43), who enjoyed Hispanidad as a tourist and took the victory in Madrid Corre en Español.
Different accents, plenty of color and dances to liven up the race for participants. Different live shows represented the diversity of the Spanish-speaking world and pushed the runners through these 10 unique kilometers. Tinkus Tiataco USA Filial Madrid (Bolivia), Nativos de Macondo (Colombia), Roberto and his folk ballet (Peru), Danzas Raíces de Chile (Chile), Muana Sinepi (Equatorial Guinea) and Ballet Folklórico Raíces y Sentimiento Ecuatoriano (Ecuador) contributed to giving each kilometer that celebratory character. That Hispanidad breathed.
“Madrid Corre en Español is going to become a Hispanidad classic.” Together, Madrileños and all the people who come from outside to enjoy the extensive Hispanidad cultural program of the Community of Madrid will find in Madrid Corre en Español a way to live Madrid and all its cultural heritage through sport, said Luis Prieto, CEO and founder of MadBlue, organizers of Madrid Corre en Español.
At the finish, the party continued with the Agave and Maíz Mexican Festival, where, after the refreshment breaks, runners could recharge with tacos from ten cuisines distinguished with the Copil Seal, the highest distinction for authentic Mexican gastronomy in Spain, awarded by the Casa de México Foundation in Spain and the Mexican Academy of Gastronomy.
Madrid Corre en Español Standings
10K MEN’S OPEN
1. Alejandro Jiménez (32:26)
2. José Carlos Morán (34:10)
3. Juan Luis Cordero (34:50)
10K WOMEN’S OPEN
1. Branna MacDougall (35:43)
2. Azucena Díaz (36:50)
3. Francisca Almirón (40:29)
All classifications at www.madridcorreenespanol.es
