TUI Palma Marathon: Palma breathed sport today – 8,500 runners transformed the city

TUI Palma Marathon: Palma breathed sport this morning

On Sunday morning Palma felt different: fewer car horns, more running steps. Over 8,500 runners from nearly 70 nations spread across the marathon, half marathon and the 10-kilometre race. For a few hours the city was in motion, the sea glittered, and the promenade smelled of salt and hot churros.

The race and the narrow victory

In the marathon Thomas Kühlmann prevailed and crossed the finish line in 2:31:48. For a long time he ran neck and neck with René Menzel before he managed a small but decisive gap. The elite times may not look record-breaking on international calendars, but here in Palma more mattered: the route through the old town, the headwind on the Paseo Marítimo and the cheering spectators on Avinguda Argentina. For many participants time was secondary — the feeling of running through the streets of the island capital on a sunny autumn day was the main thing.

Atmosphere, volunteers and small anecdotes

I stood on the Paseo Marítimo around 9:15 a.m. The cafés still had tables free, but the coffee machines were already running on the squares; behind the promenade you could hear the distant clatter of the fishing boats. Volunteers handed out cups of water with practiced friendliness, paramedics in bright vests patrolled, and local bands played on several corners – from street recorders to a brass combo. Children with paper hearts on the barriers shouted runners' names, sometimes simply “¡Vamos!”, and some older residents stood on their balconies clapping in time.

Small stories stuck with you: a runner who lost her mobile phone just before the finish and found it laughing five metres later; a couple who had arranged to meet along the way and crossed the finish together; volunteers waiting with blankets and electrolytes when the sun turned surprisingly warm. Scenes like these make the marathon a neighbourhood celebration, not just a sporting competition.

Traffic, effects on residents and practical information

Anyone moving around Palma today had to plan ahead: the Paseo Marítimo was completely closed until 1:00 p.m., and some sections remained blocked in places until 5:00 p.m. City bus lines (EMT) were rerouted, and many commuters chose the Ma-20 to bypass the centre. Around Plaça de España and Avinguda Argentina there were delays. For businesses in the centre this meant: deliveries arrived later, and some restaurants filled up faster because guests stopped to watch the race.

For coming years it would be desirable to personalise communication with residents even more: early notices about tight parking zones, additional short-term parking for deliveries and clearly signposted walkways for older residents would help. The city administration and the organisers appeared experienced, but small improvements could make the process more relaxed for everyone.

Why Palma wins

Such a marathon brings benefits beyond the sporting side. Local shops and cafés benefit from the flow of spectators, hotels report higher occupancy, and Palma's image as a year-round destination is strengthened. Especially outside the high season, events like this are a quiet lifeline for the island's economy — and they create encounters between tourists, residents and locals. When the church bells ring between running steps on a Sunday morning, you clearly feel it: Palma is alive.

Conclusion

A major sporting festival left happy faces, tired legs and some changed schedules today. Palma showed that it can organise events like this — with many helpers, committed paramedics and an infectious atmosphere. If you weren't there today, mark the next TUI Palma Marathon in your calendar: the course is beautiful, the spectators are warm, and the churros afterwards taste even better.

Side tip: If you have to be in the city tomorrow, allow a few extra minutes — and treat yourself to a coffee at one of the open cafés on the Passeig. It lifts your spirits and warms your legs again.