TUI Palma Marathon Mallorca Sets Participation Record with 10,000 Runners from 72 Countries

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TUI Palma Marathon Mallorca sets participation record with 10,000 runners from 72 countries, highlighting the growing appeal of sports tourism in Spain. The 2026 event attracted international athletes, welcomed thousands of spectators and strengthened Mallorca’s position as a leading Mediterranean destination for running holidays and major sporting events.

TUI Palma Marathon Mallorca Welcomes Record International Participation in 2026

The TUI Palma Marathon Mallorca recorded its highest participation in 2026, bringing approximately 10,000 runners from 72 countries to the Spanish island on 18 October. The 22nd edition attracted around 1,000 more participants than the previous year, reinforcing the event’s importance to Mallorca’s tourism industry and international sporting calendar.

Approximately 30,000 spectators gathered along the scenic route through Palma, supporting runners competing across three distances: the full marathon, half marathon and 10km race.

Organisers confirmed that all three categories sold out well before race day, reflecting strong international demand for running events that combine sporting participation with leisure travel.

Germany and the United Kingdom Lead International Runner Arrivals

International visitors accounted for 94 per cent of participants, demonstrating the marathon’s appeal beyond Spain.

Germany represented the largest source market, contributing 52 per cent of runners, followed by the United Kingdom at 18 per cent.

The figures underline the importance of European travel markets to Mallorca’s sporting tourism sector.

Participation also increased among women, who represented 48 per cent of runners, compared with 46 per cent in 2025.

Younger adults remained an important demographic. Participants aged between 25 and 40 accounted for 51 per cent of registrations, while the average runner was 39 years old.

These trends indicate growing interest in active holidays among travellers seeking experiences beyond traditional beach tourism.

Sports Tourism Supports Mallorca’s Extended Holiday Season

The marathon forms part of TUI’s wider strategy to develop tourism experiences that attract visitors outside the busiest summer months.

October sporting events can support accommodation providers, restaurants, transport operators and other local tourism businesses during the autumn travel season.

Sebastian Ebel, Chief Executive Officer of TUI Group, highlighted the relationship between sport and tourism, explaining that running holidays create additional travel opportunities while helping extend Mallorca’s visitor season.

The company also demonstrated internal support for the event, with almost 500 employees participating.

Ebel joined fellow senior executives Mathias Kiep, Chief Financial Officer, and Marco Ciomperlik, Chief Operating Officer, among the runners.

Sybille Reiß, Chief People Officer, officially started the event.

Spanish and International Athletes Secure Marathon Victories

Spain’s Seve Felipe Gómez won the men’s marathon, followed by fellow Spaniard Toni Melis Tous and Portugal’s Luis Quintas.

Germany’s Marie-Madeleine Lüters secured victory in the women’s marathon, ahead of Theresa Griesbach of Germany and Alex Richer of Great Britain.

In the half marathon, Britain’s William Beattie claimed the men’s title, while Germany’s Maria Brand won the women’s competition.

The 10km races were won by Thomas Cremers of the Netherlands and Svenja Discher of Germany.

The international range of winners reflected the event’s growing reach across European running communities.

TUI Confirms Sponsorship Until 2030 and Expands Mediterranean Marathon Network

TUI has confirmed that it will remain the title sponsor and exclusive sales partner of the Palma Marathon until at least 2030.

The agreement provides continuity for the event while supporting longer-term international promotion.

The race also belongs to the TUI Mediterranean Marathon League, which connects four running events across popular Mediterranean destinations.

The programme includes the Cyprus Marathon on 28 February 2027, Rhodes Marathon on 18 April 2027 and Palermo Marathon on 15 November 2026.

TUI will become the title sponsor of the Palermo Marathon from 2027, extending its sponsorship across all four league events.

The 23rd TUI Palma Marathon Mallorca is scheduled for 17 October 2027.

Organisers have announced that race entries will be released shortly, while marathon-related travel packages are expected to become available through TUI’s booking channels.

The continued expansion of the marathon network demonstrates how established holiday destinations are using organised sporting events to attract international visitors and develop year-round tourism opportunities.

The record-breaking TUI Palma Marathon Mallorca demonstrates how international sporting events can strengthen destination tourism beyond peak summer months. With participation reaching 10,000 runners, continued sponsorship until 2030 and preparations underway for 2027, Mallorca is reinforcing its appeal to active travellers seeking memorable Mediterranean sporting holidays and experiences.