Night Run through Palma: Running under Lanterns and along the City Wall

Night Run through Palma: Running under Lanterns and along the City Wall

On Saturday, 26 September 2025, Palma will once again turn into a small running community in the evening: the Cursa Nocturna sa Murada leads in a loop past the old city wall and makes the historic old town appear in a very different light. Anyone who has ever stumbled through the narrow streets while the lanterns paint the facades knows: it has its own feel, a bit nostalgic, a bit lively — not an alpine adventure, but perfect for Mallorca.

Routes for everyone – from kids to ambitious runners

The organizers offer three options: a short solidarity lap of about 1.6 kilometers, ideal for children and families; a 5-kilometer route for recreational runners; and a 10-kilometer option for more ambitious athletes. The entry fees from the short lap go to local foundations — so you run not only for yourself but also for the neighborhood; see Charity Run in Palma: Solidarity on the Streets — What Residents and Visitors Should Know. Kids with headlamps, parents with excited shoes and the occasional small dog barking by the wall: that's part of it.

Practical information for participants and spectators

Start time: expected from around 8:30 p.m. — check the exact details on the day of the event in Palma at the Weekend: Closures, Detours and What Residents Should Know. The meeting point is usually near the Passeig des Born; you can still smell coffee and roasted almonds, the market stalls give off their last scented clouds. Water stations are planned along the route and medical assistance will be available. Last-minute entrants can still register online, although small additional fees often apply for last-minute tickets.

Parking in the city center is scarce — my tip: come by bus, bike or on foot. For spectators the old town is ideal; along the wall you can almost always find a spot from which you can see the runners pass several times. And for those who want to take photos: the light is most beautiful shortly before the start, when the streetlights are on and dusk is still present.

Atmosphere, safety and a small tip

The city sounds different in the evening: footsteps echo over cobblestones, voices mix with occasional applause, and the wall glows warmly. The Cursa has a rather familiar, local touch — not as charged as large city races, but cozy and more intimate. That is good for the neighborhood, for the small cafes and the market stalls that see a few extra customers on such evenings.

A few practical notes: dress in layers, because it often cools noticeably after sunset; a light breeze can pass along the wall. Companions should carry a small torch, it helps when tying shoelaces and when taking photos. And for everyone who does not only want to run: applause and good spirits count as training too.

Why this matters for Mallorca

Evenings like this are good for the city. At a time when many events are large and international, the Cursa Nocturna recalls the local: people from the neighborhood meet, families mix with recreational athletes, and part of the proceeds flow back into charitable projects. That strengthens the sense of community and brings life to the low season — a small, sustainable contribution to the local economy. The relationship between the fair and the run is also explored in Fira del Variat and Night Run: When Festive Spirit Meets Everyday Life — What Palma Should Improve Now.

And one more thing: night runs show that Palma can activate public spaces outside the high season without overwhelming them. It remains charming, a little rough and above all Mallorcan. So if you have nothing planned on 26 September — lace up your shoes, take a jacket and enjoy the loop around old Palma. It's an invitation to rediscover the city on quiet soles.

Have fun running — and don’t forget to drink an espresso after the finish and end the evening with some roasted almonds.