Being disabled is not being unable to enjoy sport, it is just one more barrier that we can jump over if we set our mind to it. We are going to highlight the main races and marathons in which we can participate inside and outside of Spain if we have a recognized disability condition. There are quite a few, and each time the list becomes longer and longer, thanks to the feeling of inclusion that has been generated in society for several months now.
Marathons and half marathons are becoming more and more open to all types of public, and are even beginning to accept children under 16 years of age. Something similar happens with the disabled, and it is that it is increasingly normal to see a multitude of marathons where runners with prostheses, with guides and even with wheelchairs participate.
We are going to briefly review the main marathons and marathon measures in Spain, and even in other cities in Europe and the world, where we can run regardless of our type of disability.
Main inclusive marathons in Spain
Inclusion is essential in our society , not only for personal growth and progress, but also for the successful integration of those who, for one reason or another, have vision or hearing loss, use wheelchairs, wear prostheses, etc. The existence of so many marathons and half-marathons open to people with disabilities is a positive sign that society is moving in the right direction, although much remains to be done to achieve full integration.
Madrid runs for Madrid and Rock and Roll Madrid Marathon
In Madrid there are many popular races, marathons and half marathons where disabled people can participate and compete in a classification adapted to them. Two of these marathons are Madrid run through Madrid and the Rock and Roll Madrid Marathon. Two key dates on the calendar if we are marathon runners and want to continue improving ourselves every day.
The one in Madrid runs through Madrid is usually held in mid-September in the capital and runs through the most emblematic streets of this beautiful city. For its part, the Rock and Roll Madrid Marathon is held in April and is usually a race divided into 3 sections where the marathon reaches 42 km and runs through emblematic corners of the capital.
Sevilla Marathon
This very important marathon has two categories specifically created for people with disabilities . On the one hand, there is the Men's and Women's General Classification for Wheelchair Athletes, and on the other hand, the Men's and Women's General Classification for Physically/Intellectually Disabled Athletes.
In this way, anyone can run this beautiful marathon and visit some corners of the capital of Andalusia at the end of February. A perfect date, where we are moving away from winter and in Seville it is divinely.
San Sebastian Marathon
A very important marathon that runs through the beautiful city of San Sebastián. This marathon is held at the end of November and we must admit that it is quite cold, but it is worth the journey and the effort.
This marathon also allows participation by people with disabilities in their specific category. To be precise, there are three categories: wheelchair, visual impairment, and intellectual disability . Participation is open to both men and women, and even includes those using pushed wheelchairs and minors.
In San Sebastián, another sporting event for the disabled takes place. This time organized by ONCE, and it is the Jingle Bells Race. It is held in May and seeks to give visibility to the integration of people with disabilities in sporting events.
Valencia Marathon and Half Marathon
Valencia is a city that attaches great importance to sport and integration. The Valencia marathon and half marathon is one of the most famous and crowded in Spain, and we are not surprised, not only because of the atmosphere and good organization, but also because of the integration of disabled people, the date on which it is held and because it is a very careful event.
This wonderful marathon takes place in early December and includes special categories for people with functional, intellectual, and sensory disabilities, as well as wheelchair users . Held in the heart of Valencia, this marathon is usually sponsored by the "La Caixa" Foundation and promotes inclusion not only for participants but also for the event's guides and volunteers.
Marathon Barcelona
Every May, Barcelona hosts a marathon that attracts thousands of expert and amateur runners. This sporting event includes three categories for people with disabilities: wheelchair users, visually impaired runners, and runners with intellectual disabilities.
A very particular marathon that runs through essential corners of Barcelona in the middle of spring with a very good temperature to enjoy the day with family and friends, while we break barriers and support the integration of all through sport and a healthy life.
Malaga Marathon
Málaga has something special, much like Cádiz, where the sea meets the mountains. On the Costa del Sol, there's a very famous and much-loved marathon held in mid-December that welcomes participants with disabilities. It's organized into two separate categories for men and women: a Mixed General Classification for Wheelchair Users and a Mixed General Classification for Participants with Physical and Intellectual Disabilities.
So, if we want to enjoy the atmosphere of Malaga a few weeks before Christmas, it is the perfect excuse. This is how we also support sport and the integration of everyone through it.
International inclusive marathons
Outside our borders, there are also marathons for the disabled, in fact, many of them have been fighting for years for the integration of all running enthusiasts, regardless of their physical or intellectual condition.
New York and Boston
These are two world-famous marathons, especially the New York City Marathon. Both allow the participation of people with physical and intellectual disabilities. Regarding the New York City Marathon, participants with physical disabilities using prostheses and wheelchairs, visually impaired participants with guides, and participants with intellectual disabilities with or without guides are all permitted. Wheelchairs that require pushing are prohibited. Handcycles are allowed, as it is understood that, due to their physical limitations, they cannot run with prostheses or use wheelchairs.
The Boston Marathon is one of the oldest in the world and also allows the inclusion of the disabled. You can participate in this historic race in various ways if you are disabled, visually impaired with or without a guide, on a hand bike or hand bikes, people in wheelchairs, people with intellectual disabilities with or without a guide, etc.
Berlin Marathon
In this beautiful marathon through the streets and history of Berlin, there is also an accessibility pact and that is that in Germany there are different degrees of disability recognized depending on the type of help the person needs. That is why all kinds of disabled people are admitted to the Berlin marathon.
At the end of every September, the German capital becomes a human tide of runners, and among so many different people there are disabled people in wheelchairs, with prostheses, hand bikes, visually impaired people with guides, people with intellectual disabilities with and without guides , etc.
Paris Marathon
Paris is known as the city of love and in the month of April its main avenues are emptied of cars and a great human tide of running experts and fans appears, including many disabled people. A race that is very accessible to all and that has spent years fighting for the integration of all those who love running.
The event is conducted in accordance with the rules of World Para Athletics (WPA), which means that only participants with disabilities who can move on their own are allowed, and it excludes wheelchairs that have to be pushed, as it considers them to be assistance.
Rome Marathon
Rome is a city that mixes the modern with centuries and centuries of history, a city that falls in love, where we can walk and see art in every corner, which is why it is usually one of the most requested marathons. This marathon is held at the end of March and is one of the best dates to visit the Italian capital.
Here we can participate in one of the best marathons for people with disabilities while enjoying streets that celebrate this sporting event. According to the regulations, people with physical disabilities using prostheses, wheelchairs, and handbikes, as well as people with visual or hearing impairments with or without a guide , can participate. What is not permitted is the use of wheelchairs that must be pushed.