The 2024 Generali Maratón de Málaga has been hailed as one of the most successful marathons to date, reflecting both elite athletic performance and widespread participation. Held on December 15, the event attracted over 16,000 runners from 75 different countries. This is significant as it marked record participation for the event, making it the most attended marathon in Málaga's history.
At the forefront of the race were the Kenyan athletes, with Vincent Kipkorir crossing the finish line first with a time of 2:08:05. Though he fell just 26 seconds short of the race record, Kipkorir's performance solidified Kenya's continued dominance over marathon distances. Following him closely was compatriot Micah Kipkosgei, finishing at 2:09:21, and Uganda’s Andrew Rotich, who clocked 2:10:20, rounding out the top three.
On the women's side, the Ethiopian runner Aynalem Desta took the top prize with a time of 2:25:10, nearly matching the women’s course record. She was followed by two other elite Ethiopian runners, Adanech Mesfen (2:26:01) and Gojjam Tsegaye (2:26:13), completing a strong showing for Ethiopian athletes.
Adding to the excitement, the marathon introduced participants to the lush scenery of Málaga, with runners tracing paths along the Mediterranean and through the city’s iconic streets. The race, which started at the Paseo del Parque, offered perfect weather conditions—sunny skies and moderate temperatures—enhancing both participant enjoyment and athletic performance.
The festivities of the day were not solely reserved for elite runners; amateur athletes equally contributed to the liveliness of the marathon atmosphere. Among them was Estefanía Unzu Ripoll, popularly known as Verdeliss. Completing the marathon at 2:52:37, she claimed third place within her category and was the second Spanish woman to finish. Unzu expressed gratitude for her performance, noting, “Thank you body, thank you life, thank you all of you,” highlighting the personal significance of her achievement.
This year’s marathon served as both competition and celebration, uniting runners and spectators from around the globe. Whether through individual goals or collective joy, the marathon served as a perfect antidote to the challenges faced during training seasons. Many runners experienced personal victories, leaving the event with renewed spirits and stories to tell.
Among the most noteworthy moments came from two Estonian friends, Eero and Kristo. Eero completed his fifth marathon, encouraging his friend Kristo through the experience as it was his first. Eero expressed his delight, stating the conditions were optimum for running. Their story underscored the camaraderie and community spirit of the event, which is part of what makes marathons like this so special.
A significant highlight of the marathon was also the contribution of community organizations, with clubs such as 'Todos A Correr' actively participating. Their members pushed Borja Chica, a young man with cerebral palsy, across the finish line, illustrating the unifying power of sport and the shared goals of individuals working together for greater causes.
This year also attracted spectators of all ages. From children cheering their parents to seasoned runners sharing advice with first-timers, the marathon was not just about competition; it became a festival of endurance, determination, and human connections.
Some runners faced slight challenges along the course’s route, particularly the last stretches, which boasted tight turns and elevation changes. Many participants noted these elements complicated their pacing, though they remained committed to finishing strong.
Former champions and veteran runners, such as Martín Fiz and Abel Antón, who previously brought fame to Spain's marathon scene, competed this year, reinforcing their status as inspirations to runners everywhere. Both athletes lauded the growth of the race, noting the impressive leap from previous years. “This event has transitioned from just over 1,000 participants to now 16,000, it’s remarkable,” remarked Fiz.
The marathon not only lifted individual spirits but also set the stage for Málaga as a noteworthy destination for sports tourism, showcasing its capabilities to host large-scale events effectively. This year’s race has established itself firmly within the international marathon community.
Post-race analyses are already buzzing, and plans for subsequent marathons are underway, with participants eager to return and surpass their previous records. Everyone, from local runners to those who've traveled from afar, left the race with their own stories of triumph, underlining the essence of the marathon spirit.
With strong community support and impressive organization, the Generali Maratón de Málaga not only celebrates personal achievement but heralds the continuing growth and enjoyment of running as a global phenomenon.