Malaga Half Marathon
Sunday 7th November 2026
Just a few short days after Anglesey it was off on a plane to Malaga for the Generali Malaga Half marathon.
After Anglesey the legs were understandably not in race condition, but they felt good considering and I was feeling more positive and confident after completing Anglesey.
After a week of weather watching the expectant rain did not arrive and it was slightly overcast 16 degrees, if not a little humid. I was shocked by the scale of the event with over 17,000 runners penned in near the marina all with their own personal goals and reasons for taking on the marathon or half marathon.
My good friend Paul cheered me off as we slowly made our way to the start, then we were off. 22 Kilometres of fun lay ahead!
We headed towards the city before doing two loops then heading back on ourselves and running by the amazing boats in the marina, around the lighthouse and along the coast towards Playas Del Palo. The race leaders had already arrived at Playas Del Palo and were now on their way back to the marina, some to finish the half and some to carry on for the marathon.
I hit the 10k point at 59 minutes 03 seconds, but I could feel my legs getting heavier after the previous weeks adventures. The crowd were amazing, with kids high fiving, bands playing music and just lots of encouragement.
Although it didn't always feel like it, the miles (and kilometres) were being ticked off. Then I was at mile 12, and I could see the Marina. The finish line was in sight. I stepped up the pace as best I could, pushing on with everything I had left in my body and mind.
The finish line appeared as the routes split. Half marathon to the right and marathon and another 13 miles to the left.
Typically I was on the wrong side, and there was no way on earth I was getting dragged into a marathon, so I bulldozed my way across and crossed the finish line in 2 hours 9 minutes and 50 seconds.
In all honesty, with training not gong to plan, having completed a trail half the week before and lack of sleep from an early flight on the Friday I was more than happy with that time.
So that's two challenges down and six to go with the Liverpool Santa Dash and Rapha Festive 500 coming up in December.
