There are 2 half marathons in Málaga and this review is based on the Generali Málaga half marathon that runs alongside the marathon on the same day.
The Generali Málaga half marathon is a fast, well organised winter race with a scenic seaside city route, strong crowd support, and a big city marathon atmosphere thanks to sharing the day with the full marathon.
The Generali Málaga half marathon takes place alongside the marathon starting in central Málaga. The event uses newly reworked, flatter routes aimed at improving runner performance with fewer curves and smoother pacing.
It is perfect for chasing a PB as well as those wanting to escape the bleak British weather in sunny southern Spain.
BEFORE THE RACE
COLLECTING YOUR NUMBER AND EXPO
Bib collection and the race expo are held at the Málaga Port Cruise Terminal, there is a free bus provided but it is only a short 15 to 20 minute walk from the city centre. I saw lots of people running to the expo to use it as a shake out run.
Opening hours were 10AM - 8PM on both Friday and Saturday before the race, giving you plenty of time to arrive and collect your race pack. You cannot collect your bib on the day of the race though.
Just bear in mind the later you leave it, the busier it gets. I went Saturday afternoon and there was a massive queues starting outside the building.
It is really busy inside as well and I was glad I signed up to the VIP package as it meant you could queue jump the queues for bib collection.
There were a number of retailers in the building selling everything a runner might need should you forget something or want to treat yourself.
There is also a number of photo opportunities to take a photo of yourself with your race number.
PRE RACE SHAKE OUT RUN
You can join in a organised shake out run such as the “Brunch Run”, which is promoted as a relaxed social run linked to the main event. I arrived to late to take part in this.
The flat seafront promenades and paths around Málaga Port and La Malagueta beach also offer ideal spots for an easy pre race jog while staying close to hotels and the expo.
There is also a kids race if your taking family with you. This was really quiet and not many kids took part.
ON THE DAY
ROUTE
The half marathon course is fast and flat, with fewer tight bends than previous editions and a design intended to help runners maintain an even pace.
The route starts near Málaga City Hall on Paseo del Parque, runs through central streets and coastal sections, and shares the big city atmosphere of the full marathon while keeping elevation modest.
You can see my Strava activity HERE to see elevations and the course in detail.
THE START
Both the marathon and half marathon started at 8:30AM on Paseo del Parque in front of Málaga City Hall, creating a large, crowded but exciting start pen environment.
The organisation at the start felt a bit chaotic, with spectators and non runners sometimes mixing into the pen area, so arriving early is advisable to secure a good position.
WATER STATIONS
Hydration stations are placed regularly along the course, with water stations approximately every 6km and additional supplies of isotonic drink and fruit later in the race.
As with all big races you have to be careful and look at what others are doing to avoid slowly down or getting shoved in the back.
There were plenty of opportunities to grab a bottle of water from a volunteer at each station.
PACERS
Official pacers are provided for both the marathon and half marathon, covering a range of common finish times to help runners target PBs on the flat course.
This will come a common theme within this review but the pacers for the half marathon were really based on the pacers for the marathon. E.g The 3:15 marathon pacer also doubled up as a 1:37 pacer for the half marathon, which meant you got some random pacer times for the half marathon and not you standard pacer times for a half marathon that you might be expecting.
TOILETS
Portable toilets are available in the start/finish area and at selected points on the course.
As with many large races, queues can build close to start time, so using facilities earlier at the expo or nearby venues can reduce stress.
THE FINISH
The finish for the half marathon is different to the finish for the marathon. As you approach 21km, the marathon runners turn left back on to Paseo del Parque, where the start is to complete a different loop and the half marathon runners carry on to finish.
Both finish lines are not far from one another, and the half finish is still close to the start area, making logistics simple for supporters and allowing quick access to nearby bars and cafés after the race.
But the finish line arch, timing gantry and music at the marathon finish is much bigger, livelier, with more atmosphere.
AFTER THE EVENT
FINISH AREA
Once you finish the half marathon you collect your medal and carry on walking to collect a bottle of water, isotonic drink and fruit.
This area is caged off to spectators but it is really easy to meet your partner, loved ones or supporters at the end.
MEDAL
The Generali Málaga Half Marathon medal was pretty cool to be fair.
The inside of the medal features Málaga’s famous grilled sardine skewers (espetos) and spins around.
PHOTOS
There were plenty of official photographers along the route taking photos and you could buy a single photo or pack but I did't bother this time.
My wife took some pretty cool photos I was happy with on her phone.
SUPPORT
Crowd support in Málaga is a strong point, with spectators lining many central and coastal sections and rarely leaving you without encouragement for long.
Several music points and bands are placed around the route, adding a more festive feel than some other local half marathons and helping during tougher late race kilometres.
Some of the more residential or out and back stretches are naturally quieter, but there is still a steady stream of marshals and pockets of spectators to give the race a friendly atmosphere.
The video above is me running along Paseo De Los Curas, which is between the 6km and 7km points on the parallel road to the start/finish.
VIP
A VIP option is offered for the marathon and half marathon, including enhanced services and hospitality for a premium fee.
This also includes a plus one for a spectator and I thought this would be a nice touch for my wife who came with me. When you register for the VIP package you can also buy more VIP tickets for additional friends and family.
FOOD & DRINK
The VIP section does have a choice of cold and hot drinks available to you as part of your package, this includes wine, beer, soft drinks like Coca Cola and coffee.
There is also trays of snacks that are brought around but these did not seem to come out much until the marathon finishers starting coming in.
PRIVATE TOILETS
There were about 8 portable toilets in the VIP area to use instead of the mass toilets.
This was mainly why I signed up to the VIP package if I am honest as I hate queues and seem to always need the toilet multiple times before a race!
FINISH LINE
The best part of the VIP area was being right next to the finish line of the marathon. The atmosphere was electric and I got to see one of my training partners from my running club finish as she crossed the line in a new personal best.
Unfortunately there is not a VIP area for the half marathon finish line so nor me nor my wife did not have the same experience.
VIP RATING
Overall the VIP section was good and it was worth it just for the toilets, its just a shame there is not a VIP area at the half marathon finish and like the rest of the event, it feels more geared towards the marathon participants.
In comparison to the VIP area at the Valencia 10K, it just felt a bit underwhelming.
The VIP bands they give you are really loose, we managed to take our VIP bands off and give them to our friend when she finished her marathon, who took her friend in to take advantage of the food and drinks.
GETTING THERE
Getting around the city was really easy and everything was walkable. There a plenty of taxis you can jump in, which were really reasonable in price.
PLANE
We flew from Stansted airport straight into Málaga airport with Ryanair. The airport is pretty big and has lots of connecting flights.
We did not book transport and just jumped straight into a taxi from the airport to the city centre, which cost about €25 each way.
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed at ME Malaga by Melia, which is literally a 5 minute minute walk from the start/finish line and has great views of the city from the roof top bar and restaurant.
It has only recently been built and did have a few teething problems like their computers not working as the hotel literally opened the weekend we arrived but nothing that would not be sorted out by now. I would highly recommend staying here if you doing the half marathon or marathon.
The staff were super friendly, rooms were spacious with a great shower. The hotel does have a pool on the rooftop but it was a bit too cold to use it. I also arranged a pre race massage at the hotel, which was really good.
We booked via booking.com
WHO ORGANISES IT
The race is part of the Generali Málaga Marathon event, organised under the Generali sponsorship banner by the official Málaga Marathon organisation with support from the city authorities and athletics federation.
It is a fully measured and approved road race, open to adult runners from around the world and integrated into Málaga’s wider sports and tourism calendar.
The race is run on a course approved by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation and World Athletics, so performances are eligible for official rankings and qualifications.
PRICE
Registration opens first for the marathon and starts at €60 for standard entries and €200 for VIP. The half marathon opens later and prices increase as the number of bibs are sold.
I entered relatively late, about 6 weeks before the race and paid €250 for VIP entry to the half marathon. From memory I think the standard entry was €150 at this point.
HOW TO ENTER?
Entries are made online through the official Generali Málaga Marathon website and linked registration partners, where runners can choose either the marathon or half marathon distance.
The website also provides regulations, course maps, FAQs and practical information such as bib collection times and expo address.
WOULD I DO IT AGAIN?
I would recommend it to others but If I am being brutally honest I probably would not do it again, at least not for the half marathon.
It was a great course, well supported, good value and I ran a PB but the half marathon just feels like a bit of after thought alongside the marathon.
Give the half marathon the same high energy finish as the marathon and I would come back.
THINGS TO BEAR MIND IN MIND
- Fast flat course perfect for chasing PB's.
- Collecting your bib can be really busy, get to the expo early to avoid queues.
- Enter early to take advantage of early bird prices.
- Half marathon is the little sister to the marathon event.
- Málaga has some great tourist attractions like the Pablo Picasso museum
- If you visit the castle bear in mind the steps and slopes up to it are a big hike and save it for after your race.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the Generali Málaga Half Marathon offers a fast, flatter course, strong crowd support and well run in a highly accessible Mediterranean city.
For anyone seeking a winter half with PB potential combined with a city break, it is an attractive option worth putting on the race calendar.
KIT
I wore the following race day kit:
- Soar Running Printed Tech T-shirt
- Nike Trail Lava Half Tights
- SHYU Socks
- Puma Nitrate FAST-R 3
- Coros Pace Pro
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