Ciudad de Don Benito Marathon

What is the route of the Ciudad de Don Benito Marathon

The marathon is run over 4 laps of a certified urban circuit of about 10.5 km, starting and finishing in Plaza de España, next to Santiago Church and the Casa de Cultura. The half marathon covers 2 laps and the 10K one.

It isn't flat: the marathon has about 316 metres of elevation gain, with altitudes between 265 and 296 metres. The climb by San Sebastián Church is the part you feel most in the final laps.

There are aid stations roughly every 5 km (water, sports drink and bananas), with toilets and medical services each time you pass the finish. The cut-off is 5 hours (14:00), with maximum split times per kilometre.

Key kilometer points of the Ciudad de Don Benito Marathon

• Km 0-10,5 — Primera vuelta desde la Plaza de España

  Salida junto a la Iglesia de Santiago y la Casa de Cultura para recorrer un circuito urbano homologado por los lugares más emblemáticos de Don Benito, con puntos de animación.

• Km 10,5-21,1 — Segunda vuelta

  Repetición del circuito; la cuesta junto a la Iglesia de San Sebastián es el punto más exigente de cada vuelta.

• Km 21,1-32 — Tercera vuelta

  Ya sin los corredores de la media maratón, el pelotón se estira; avituallamientos con agua, bebida isotónica y plátano.

• Km 32-42,195 — Cuarta vuelta y meta en la Plaza de España

  Última vuelta, la más dura por el desnivel acumulado (316 m en total), hasta la meta en la propia Plaza de España.

Where to stay for the Ciudad de Don Benito Marathon

Central Don Benito, around Plaza de España, is the best option: the start, finish, bag drop and awards are all in the square itself.

Villanueva de la Serena, practically joined to Don Benito, greatly expands the choice of accommodation just minutes away by car.

Getting there from the airport for the Ciudad de Don Benito Marathon

The nearest airport is Badajoz, a little over an hour away by motorway. Another option is Madrid-Barajas, about three and a half hours away.

By train, Don Benito-Villanueva station is on the Madrid-Badajoz line, with connections from Mérida and Madrid.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ciudad de Don Benito Marathon

How much is the entry fee?

For 2027, the marathon costs €30 until 1 November 2026 and €40 until 4 February 2027. The half marathon costs €22/€25 and the 10K €16/€18.

Which distances are there?

Marathon (42.195 km) and half marathon (21.097 km), both certified, plus a 10.54 km fun run.

What is the minimum age?

16 for the 10K; junior runners can only enter the 10K and the half marathon (the latter only if 18 on race day).

Are there start pens?

Yes, in 2026 the marathon had 6 pens by expected finish time (from under 3:00 to over 4:00), opening at 8:30.

What services are there?

A race pack with a technical T-shirt, finisher medal, bag drop in Plaza de España, showers at the sports complex and aid stations roughly every 5 km.

Is there prize money?

Yes, in 2026 there was prize money for the top overall finishers (eligible only under 3:00 for men and 3:45 for women), plus category and team awards.

About Ciudad de Don Benito Marathon

The Ciudad de Don Benito Marathon was born in 2026 as one of the first certified marathons in Extremadura. Organised by Don Benito's municipal sports department, its first edition brought together more than 1,000 runners across the marathon, half marathon and 10K.

The 2nd edition takes place on 14 February 2027, again starting and finishing in Plaza de España on an urban asphalt circuit that passes the town's most iconic spots, with cheering points along the way.

It's a friendly, very affordable marathon combining certified distances, prize money, team rankings and big-race services: pace-based start pens, bag drop, showers and a finisher medal.