World's Fastest Marathon
The definitive source for all things race-related: everything you need to know before, during, and after race day.
Race Information
Find all the important practical information about the race.
Route & Elevation
Familiarize yourself with the race's elevation profile and route.
Results
Check here for current and past years race results.
Race Videos & Photos
Check out some spectacular moments from race day.
Like all Albatros Adventure Marathons, the World's Fastest Marathon is designed to be more than just a race. It's also about enjoying time together with family, friends and other running-minded spirits. Spectators welcome!
In order to register for World's Fastest Marathon, you must sign up for one of the tour packages.
Ways to Enter
Get details on international and local entrance options.
The World's Fastest Marathon is more than just a marathon - it's a journey through Spain! Explore whitewashed coastal towns, take a trial run down a mountain road, or tour one of the crown jewels of the Andalucía region: the Alhambra.
Excursions
Frigiliana & Nerja
6 Oct | 6-7 hours | 50 EUR
Visit the balcony of Europe in seaside Nerja and walk the winding streets of the "White City," Frigiliana.
From history and culture to cuisine and customs, get to know to Spain.
Travel to Spain
Dive deep into Spain - read about its history, culture, and, of course, the wine.
Map of Spain
Take a look at a map highlighting our destinations in Spain.
Destination Guide
Find short and sweet answers to help you travel in Spain - everything from currency to language and more.
Climate & Weather in Spain
Check out what weather to expect on race day, as well as average weather in Granada and Málaga.
Photos of Spain
Browse a collection of spectacular photos from our Spanish destinations.
Curious about other people's experiences or still have questions regarding the race, booking, or traveling?
FAQ & Contact
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Reviews
Read the thoughts of runners who have raced down the mountain!
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Blog
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Media Resources
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Partners & Sponsors
Read here about our wonderful sponsors, partners, and suppliers - and how you can be one of them.
Route & Elevation
With an almost 100% downhill route (less than 1km is without decline), an altitude drop of 1,938 meters (6358 feet), and an average descent of 4.6%, this race course will get your feet moving!
The World's Fastest Marathon only offers a full marathon course of 42.2km / 26.2mi.
Route map
Elevation
Route Description
The World’s Fastest Marathon starts above the ski resort town of Pradollano in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The starting line is positioned at an altitude of 2,605 meters (8,546 feet). The route continues down around Pradollano.
From 8.5 km, the route winds down the A-395, a mountain road that leads to the town of Granada. The halfway point is positioned at an altitude of approximately 1,700 meters (5,577 feet). The route is nearly 100% downhill with an average descent of 4.6%, ensuring running tempos remain high.
The prime backdrop of this race is the Sierra Nevada, a dramatic, rugged and breathtakingly beautiful mountain range in Sierra Nevada National Park (Parque Nacional de Sierra Nevada), which covers over 86,000ha in Spain’s Andalucía region. This mountain range is, in fact, the highest point in continental Spain.
Approximately 10 km before the finish line, runners pass the village of Canales, then turn off the A-395 to run through the villages of Pinos Genil and Cenes de la Vega. At this point, runners are out of the mountains and hence the road’s downward gradient will flatten out. It still continues slightly downhill all the way to the finish line at Celador Del Paseo Del Salon, a beautiful park in the center of Granada.
Race Officials reserve the right to make adjustments to the route.
Route Logistics
Kilometer signs are placed at each kilometer along the route. The signs will also indicate the equivalent distance in miles. Timing mats will be placed every 5 km to record split times. There will be hydration stations serving water and energy drinks every 4 km along the route. At 28 km, each runner will receive one (1) energy gel. If you'd like more energy gels, please bring your own and carry them with you.
For more information, have a look at the course map. While running, make way for faster runners and keep to the right. Please note that the route is not entirely closed off for traffic. Although traffic is not heavy, take care when running on main roads and look out for vehicles. We will, however, ensure that traffic does not interfere with the progress of the race, so as to avoid delaying anyone’s time.
Start / Finish
The start line will be positioned up the mountain above the ski resort town of Pradollano in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The race will have a single start (no waves) with a gun signal at 8:00AM sharp.
Runners will be organized at the start according to the best finish time (within two years) that is registered on the booking form.
You may bring a bag with personal items, such as clothes to warm-up with or a change for after the race, to be deposited in the start area. This bag will then be transported to the finish area for when you finish your race. Please note that it is not possible to deposit personal supplies along the route.
Surface
The entire race is run on paved roads to help keep the speed up!