MADRID EXPRESS RUN – 7 KM

We start the run at the Puerta de Alcala, probably one of the most famous landmarks in Madrid, which is a neoclassical-style gate to commemorate King Charles III’s triumphal entry into Madrid. The gateway has 5 arches–3 central, and 2 outer rectangular ones. Not far from there, we’ll pass the Cibeles Fountain and Cibeles Palace which is probably one of Madrid’s most beautiful landmarks. The Cibeles Fountain (Fuente de Cibeles) stands in the middle of the busy traffic island at the junction of the Paseo del Prado, and the Calle de Alcala. From there we’ll pass the Prado Museum on our way to Puerta del Sol, undoubtedly one of the busiest Plaza’s in Madrid. Here you’ll see the “Oso y Madrono” (The Bear and Strawberry Tree) and the famous Clock Tower which thousands of people flock to each New Year’s Eve with their 12 grapes to welcome in the New Year. After passing through Sol, we head up to Plaza Mayor which was once the centre of Old Madrid. The equestrian statue in the centre of the square is of Felipe III who in fact ordered the square to be built. Nowadays the square is lined mostly with cafés, and is also the starting point for most of the walking tours in Madrid. Our next stop is the Royal Palace. Although the current King and Queen have chosen not to live here,the Palace is still used for certain ceremonies. Further on from the Palace is the Plaza de Espana (currently under construction). where the statue of Don Miguel de Cervantes, world famous author of the novel Don Quixote is situated. Thereafter we’ll run up the popular Gran Via which continues to be a main artery for the city of Madrid, lined with theatres and cinemas, hotels, shops and restaurants. On our way back down Gran Via, we’ll also pass the Banco de Espana, another famous landmark of Madrid.