Just like many marathons, Seville was going to be a repeat of the one I had already run in 2016. Once the Zurich Seguros national marathon circuit was established—which includes Seville, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and San Sebastián, but only counted toward completion starting in 2021 if I remember correctly—I had to run Seville again so it would be added to my personal “count.”
So, I had already tried to register for the 2024 edition, but with spots selling out early, I didn’t manage to get in. As soon as registrations opened for the 2025 edition, I signed up and planned the trip, which was originally supposed to be with my family, though I ended up going alone.
I barely remembered anythging from the 2016 race. I stood at the starting line, expecting temperatures to rise above 20°C throughout the morning—unusually warm for that time of year, especially since used to the colder climate of the Castilian plateau.
The first stretch of the race goes well, with a pace I haven’t hit in a long time, even staying ahead of the 3:45 pacer. I cross the half-marathon mark at 1:54:01 and manage to hold my pace until kilometer 26.
After that, things start to get tough. Even though I keep hydrating at every aid station, my energy begins to fade. Once I push through “the wall” and enter the final stretch, I cross the 35K mark at just over 3:06:00. With cramps threatening, I take the remaining kilometers cautiously.
Finally, I cross the finish line with a net time of 3:55:00 (7,010th out of 10,715 finishers). Exhausted, I make my way to the Zurich tent to receive the commemorative bracelet for completing their marathon circuit. There, I have to stretch my legs thoroughly as I suffer several consecutive cramps.
With Seville completed—and the circuit officially finished (for the second time, really)—I once again feel that sense of closing chapters in my marathon journey.
Next stop: Marathon #147, Barcelona.
