German double victory at the TUI Palma Marathon – celebration, questions and a behind-the-scenes look

German double victory at Parc de la Mar — much celebration, but also questions

It was one of those mornings in Palma when the city beats with two hearts: that of tourists with cameras and caffè con leche, and that of athletes with bib numbers and racing pulses. The 21st edition of the TUI Palma Marathon drew around 8,500 participants to the waterfront promenade. In the end two Germans stood at the top: Thomas Kühlmann won the marathon in 2:31:48, Rebecca Robisch triumphed in the women's race in 2:46:21. Applause, the cathedral bells and the calls of seagulls mixed into a panoramic melody typical of Palma on such days.

Debut with a happy ending — Kühlmann's road, Robisch's consistency

42‑year‑old Kühlmann, usually active in trail running, competed for the first time on asphalt — and won. Calm and controlled he turned onto the finishing straight in front of the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, the famous panorama behind him and a grin on his face. Rebecca Robisch's win was less about spectacle and more about intelligent racing: she navigated coastal wind pockets and ran a steady race. Two performance stories that show: Palma is not just postcard idyll, but a Running Instead of Driving: TUI Palma Marathon Transforms the City Today.

More than the winners — numbers, spectators, atmosphere

Alongside the marathon there was also a half marathon and a 10‑kilometre race; top times, international starters and satisfied faces at the finish. Tiny children with painted signs, retirees watching from café tables, volunteers handing out cups — all of that belongs to the event. The route lifted the city centre out of everyday life for hours: road closures, frustration — and how Palma could deal smarter with the traffic chaos, diversions, police and many volunteers ensured safety and order.

The central question: does an event like this really fit into Palma's everyday life?

When many applaud, that's good. But there is another side: people who have to get to work, suppliers who are rerouted, residents who lose their usual quiet. Such events bring money to cafés and hotels — but they also claim public space. The central question is therefore: how can the economic benefits be balanced with the everyday needs of local residents?

Aspects that are often overlooked

First: traffic and accessibility. Road closures may sound harmless, but for commuters they are more than a detour. Second: the ecological burden. Thousands of participants and spectators leave waste, an additional CO₂ footprint and increased pressure on small green areas. Third: dependence on volunteers. Without the many helpers nothing runs — yet their work often remains unpaid heavy lifting.

Concrete opportunities and proposals

Palma does not have to choose simply between “more events” and “fewer events.” There are practical ways to make such large events more compatible. Better communication is a first step: early information for residents, targeted EMT Palma timetable updates for buses and ferries. Second: greener events — mandatory waste sorting, water stations with refillable bottles, compensation measures. Third: recognition for volunteers — travel expenses, meals and a small honorarium would make a big difference.

A proposal for route planning

The route along the Passeig Marítim is beautiful, but it uses the main tourist axes. One possible solution would be to spread the routes a little: start and finish at locations that affect everyday traffic less, or use parallel streets at particularly congested points. This reduces detours and preserves the atmosphere — the photos in front of the cathedral will remain anyway.

Economic and social balance

For cafés and hotels the Sunday was a gift: full tables after the race, guests who want to stay longer, and small revenues that matter in the low season. For residents, however, it can be a stressful day. A fair model would be to direct a portion of the event fees into local projects — for example cleaning services, neighbourhood centres or payment for helpers.

What remains of the day?

Some images remain: Kühlmann in the German jersey, Robisch exhausted but smiling; children at the edge asking for autographs; volunteers rewarding themselves with an espresso. And the city, which beats differently for a morning. These days are part of Palma. The art is to organise them so that as many people as possible benefit — participants, spectators and neighbours.

In the end: two trophies, many happy runners and a concrete invitation to organisers and the city administration to take a closer look next time. So that the soundscape of applause and seagull cries is not drowned out by the honking of irritated residents.