The Costa del Sol – a year-round paradise for runners

If you live on the Costa del Sol or are planning to move here, and running is your passion, you’re in luck. This region of Spain is a real paradise for runners – both amateurs and more experienced runners alike. The combination of a mild climate, beautiful views and a sporting atmosphere makes running here a pure pleasure.

Costa del Sol: perfect weather for a run

From October to May, the Costa del Sol offers excellent conditions for running and regular outdoor training. Daytime temperatures usually range from 18 to 25°C, and the sunny weather is ideal for outdoor activities for most of the season. Compared with the sweltering summer, when it’s best to plan your training for early morning or late evening, autumn, winter and spring offer much greater flexibility in choosing when to go for a run.

The mild climate makes it possible to train comfortably both on the seaside promenades and on the more challenging routes leading further into the region. Usually, a light T-shirt, shorts and a good pair of running shoes are all you need to set off without having to wear several layers of clothing. The lower risk of overheating and the relatively small number of rainy days mean that these months are considered the ideal running season on the Costa del Sol.

The diversity of the landscape in Andalusia – from promenades to mountains

Whether you prefer gentle runs on flat terrain or more challenging hill runs, the Costa del Sol offers a very wide range of routes to suit all levels of ability.

The promenades in Torremolinos, Fuengirola and Marbella, each around 6 km long, run along the coast and allow you to go for a run surrounded by the sea, palm trees and seaside scenery. The flat surface is ideal for both a leisurely jog and faster training sessions. An added bonus is the outdoor gyms dotted along the routes, where you can do a short strength session or supplement your running training with general fitness exercises.

Those looking for a greater challenge can head for the mountains. The areas around Benalmádena and Mijas Pueblo offer numerous trails with significant changes in elevation, steeper climbs and more technical sections. However, the effort is rewarded by sweeping panoramic views of the coast, vistas of the Mediterranean Sea and the chance to explore the region’s less touristy corners.

Runs and sporting events on the Costa del Sol all year round

The Costa del Sol is a region where sport plays an important part in everyday life. Numerous road races and trail running events are held here throughout the year, attracting both local residents and competitors from all over the world.

Many events combine sporting competition with helping others, supporting local charities, community initiatives and campaigns promoting a healthy lifestyle. The competitions are usually accompanied by a relaxed, cheerful atmosphere, full of positive energy, smiles and that laid-back vibe so characteristic of Spain.

Key events include:

• For many years, Ironman Marbella was one of the most important triathlon events held on the Costa del Sol. The competition comprised swimming, cycling and running, and its picturesque coastal scenery was an added attraction. In 2025, Marbella hosted the Ironman 70.3 World Championships, which attracted nearly 7,000 competitors from around the world. From 2026, the event will move to Málaga. The first edition of Ironman 70.3 Málaga will take place on 18 October 2026, with the course passing through, amongst other places, the city centre and the area around the harbour.
• The Generali Málaga Marathon is highly regarded for its flat, relatively undemanding course and excellent organisation. In 2025, the event attracted a record number of participants – 22,000 runners took to the starting line. The next edition is scheduled for 8 November 2026, with the race starting at 8.30 am. A half-marathon will also take place on the same day.
• The Torremolinos International Half Marathon, the 36th edition of which took place on 1 February 2026, is notable for its varied and more challenging route. However, the varied terrain means that completing the race gives participants a particularly great sense of achievement. In 2026, a record turnout was set – 2,500 people took part, nearly half of whom were international runners. The day before, on 31 January, the Feria del Corredor was held, along with an accompanying 5 km race.
• The SBE Marbella Media Marathon will take place on 27 September 2026. The participant limit has been increased to 3,000. The race will start at the Arco de Marbella, whilst the finish line will be located in Parque Mediterráneo. Runners will have a maximum of 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete the half-marathon. A 5 km charity run will take place at the same time.
• The Sierra Blanca Trail, held on 14 February 2026 in Marbella, is a mountain race comprising three routes. The longest of these, the Destroyer, is 43.2 km long with an elevation gain of around 2,600 metres. The other routes are the Rompepiernas – 30.2 km – and the Trampantojo – 12.3 km. The routes pass through the areas around Marbella, Ojén and Mondy, offering sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Sierra Blanca mountains.
• The Marbella Epic Trail took place on 21 February 2026. It is a demanding mountain ultramarathon covering a distance of 65 km with a total elevation gain of approximately 5,000 metres. The time limit for completing the course is 19 hours. Participants must provide a medical certificate and carry the mandatory emergency kit.
• The Costa del Sol Estepona Marathon will take place for the first time on 11 October 2026. As part of the event, runners will be able to choose between the half-marathon distance – 21 km – or the full marathon, which is 42 km. The race will start at 8.30 am at the Municipal Athletics Stadium in Estepona. The route will take runners through the town’s distinctive streets, adorned with colourful flower pots, and then towards the coast.
• The region’s running calendar will also be rounded off by other autumn events. The 9th Fuengirola Half Marathon will take place on 8 November 2026, whilst the Benalmádena Half Marathon is also scheduled for November, featuring races over distances of 21 km, 10 km and 5 km.

The Málaga Coastal Path – the Costa del Sol’s flagship trail

The Málaga Coastal Path is one of the most ambitious recreational infrastructure projects on the Costa del Sol. The trail runs along the coast from Manilva to Nerja, linking 14 coastal municipalities, including Estepona, Marbella, Mijas, Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Torremolinos and Málaga. Its symbolic starting point is the Balcón de Europa in Nerja. The route is approximately 160–180 km long, and the completed sections already form an almost unbroken chain of promenades, footbridges and coastal paths.

For runners, the greatest advantage of the Senda Litoral is its variety. The route features everything from comfortable concrete promenades to wooden walkways, bridges over river mouths, dirt tracks and sections on compacted earth. Most of the trail is easy or moderately challenging, though there are narrower passages and more technical sections in places. This means the route is suitable for both a leisurely jog and longer endurance training sessions.

Running along the Senda Litoral offers almost constant views of the Mediterranean Sea and easy access to the facilities in the coastal towns. On most sections, the path is wide enough for runners, walkers and cyclists to use it comfortably. Entry is free, and there are numerous access points along the route, so you can easily tailor the length of your run to suit your own abilities. The best conditions for running are in spring and autumn, although the mild climate means the trail can be enjoyed all year round.

Why is it worth going for a run on the Costa del Sol?

Running on the Costa del Sol is much more than just a form of exercise. It’s also a unique way to explore the region – during a morning run, you can admire the sunrise over the sea, breathe in the scent of blossoming orange trees, listen to the sound of the waves and meet other enthusiasts of an active lifestyle.

Whether you’re just starting out on your running journey or preparing for a marathon, the Costa del Sol will provide you with the space, motivation and enjoyment you need to cover those kilometres.

There are many running groups in Marbella and Málaga that organise regular training sessions and take part in local races together. Information about their activities can easily be found on social media.

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