What better way to combine a love of travel with a passion for running than by heading to Jerez de la Frontera in Andalucia to take part in the annual Sherry Marathon?
A run around the vineyards that surround this beautiful Spanish city with the chance to sample local delicacies and partake of a sherry or two en route – I’ll drink to that!
Read on to find out more about the Sherry Marathon and the city of Jerez de la Frontera.
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The history of the Sherry Marathon
The Sherry Marathon is a recent addition to the race calendar, and only took place for the first time in 2017.
The idea for the Sherry Marathon came about as a way to take advantage of the interest in the sherry brand and link it with tourism through sport.
As one of the points on the ‘Sherry Triangle’, along with Sanlucar de Barrameda and El Puerto de Santa Maria, Jerez de la Frontera was the obvious choice to host the event, and much was made of the uniqueness of the route which takes in Jerez’s beautiful old town as well as the stunning countryside which surrounds it.
Race routes
For those who aren’t up to a full marathon (Sherry Maratón), there are two shorter events that happen on the same date – a half marathon (Sherry Media), and a 14km route (Sherry Promo).
The full and half marathon routes start at Alameda Vieja in the centre of Jerez near to the Alcazar while the Promo starts at the Macharnudo vineyard in the Jerez countryside.
All routes involve running through some of the many vineyards that surround Jerez before turning back towards the city, heading through one of the largest bodegas, and finishing back at the Alameda Vieja.
Sherry Maratón
Competitors leave from the Alameda Vieja right in the heart of Jerez and, for the first 6 kms, run through the city’s historic centre before reaching the vineyards.
After running between vines and past sherry houses, the route returns to the city and the finish line back in Alameda Vieja.
Sherry Media
Setting off slightly later than the marathon runners, those undertaking the half marathon follow a similar, but obviously shorter, route with a start and finish at Alameda Vieja and the opportunity to experience running in both the urban areas of Jerez as well as through the vineyards.
Sherry Promo
The Sherry Promo is particularly popular with those who prefer walking to running and, unlike the marathon and half marathon, competitors set off from Marcharnudo vineyard and then follow the route of the longer races to Alameda Vieja.
What is it like to run the Sherry Marathon?
I’ll confess at this point that I’ve only taken part in the Sherry Media. Although I’ve run a few marathons in the past, my long-distance days are behind me but even taking part in the half marathon gives you a good taste of running through the vineyards past sherry houses and through a cask lined bodega on the home stretch.
There’s a mix of on- and off-road running and, as you’d expect, the terrain in the vineyards is uneven so if, like me, you haven’t done any cross country running since school, you might want to get off road for some of your training runs.
Be warned too that the vineyards are pretty hilly so some hill training will definitely come in handy. Let’s just say, in my case, quite a lot of walking was involved on the uphill sections!
This is also not a race for chasing a personal best – apart from the temptation to stop for a snack and a wee tipple, there are just too many photo opportunities along the way to act as a distraction (which, for me, were also the ideal chance to get my breath back).
How to enter the Sherry Marathon
The 2026 race will take place on Sunday 3rd May and entry fees are:
Sherry Maratón – €42 until 19th March 2026 and then €45 until registration is closed
Sherry Media – €30 until 19th March 2026 and then €33 until registration is closed
Sherry Promo – €25 until 19th March 2026 and then €28 until registration is closed
As well as registration for the race itself, the entry fee also includes all refreshments during and after the race, a goodie bag with race t-shirt, and a commemorative sherry glass at the finish line (for Media and Promo competitors) and a medal if you tackle the full distance.
Practical information for the Sherry Marathon
Pre-race
Race numbers and goodie bags are collected at IFECA Palacio de Exposiciones Lola Flores at Palacio de Congresos, Paseo de Sementales. Check the FAQs below for the dates and times for 2026.
You’ll need to take some form of ID with you to collect your race number and goodie bag.
Race day
There are different start times depending on which race you’ve entered. Start times for 2026 are in the FAQs below.
Although there are plenty of refreshment stands around the course you’ll need to take a water bottle with you for refills – this isn’t one of those big events with bottles of water handed out to all runners which inevitably end up discarded by the roadside. Instead, volunteers will fill your bottle for you to cut down on waste and litter.
You should also make sure your phone is fully charged (trust me, you’ll take a lot of photos along the way) and don’t forget your sunscreen – even in spring it’s hot in Andalucia!
If you’re intending to walk the Promo route you might find it useful to bring your walking poles.
Post-race
As I usually take part with my partner Mark (who’s much faster than me) this is one race where he doesn’t mind hanging around to wait for me to finish, as there are tents set up in Alameda Vieja with food and drink for all finishers. It’s great to be able to wander from stall to stall to get your finisher’s glass topped up – how many other races are there where sherry tasting is included?
The organisers also put on various activities over the weekend including guided tours of the vineyards, sherry tasting sessions and flamenco shows.
However, if you want to arrange your own activities Get Your Guide has plenty of options for you to consider.
My personal favourite things to do after several visits to Jerez include sherry tasting at the one of the bodegas in the city, catching a flamenco show, and visiting the Alcazar and Cathedral.
Coming soon – ‘The Best Things to do in Jerez de la Frontera’.
If you’re after somewhere for post-race dining options there are plenty of places to choose from in the historic centre so why not enjoy some tapas tasting and bar hopping? I particularly like Tabanco Plateros (don’t miss the smoked sardines) and Tabanco El Pasaje where you can watch the flamenco while standing at the bar sipping sherry and eating payoyo cheese with quince paste.
Sherry Marathon Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Sherry Marathon?
The 2026 event will take place on Sunday 3rd May.
Where do I collect my race number?
Race numbers can be collected from IFECA Palacio de Exposiciones Lola Flores at Palacio de Congresos, Paseo de Sementales at the following times:
Friday – 11am to 2pm, and 5pm to 8pm
Saturday – 5pm to 8pm
Sunday – 6.30am to 7.30am (Sherry Maratón), 6.30am to 8.30am (Sherry Media and Sherry Promo)
To collect your number you’ll need to show some form of ID.
What time does each event start?
Start times are as follows:
Sherry Maratón – 8am with gates open at 7.30am
Sherry Media – 9am with gates open at 8.30am
Sherry Promo – 10.30am with gates open at 10am. For the Sherry Promo there is a shuttle bus from Alameda Vieja to the start
The organisers have set the following maximum times for each event:
Sherry Maratón – 6 hours 30 minutes
Sherry Media – 5 hours
Sherry Promo – 3 hours 30 minutes
Are there refreshments along the route?
Yes, there are six refreshments stands along the route offering water, isotonic drinks, fruit and local delicacies including bread, cheese, olives, and ham.
In addition, there are refreshments at the finish line.
Do I get a finisher’s medal?
Yes, all finishers are rewarded for their endeavours. Maratón finishers receive a medal, while Media and Promo finishers receive an engraved sherry glass.
Full information and answers to any other questions you may have are provided with your entry.
Where to stay in Jerez de la Frontera
There’s a huge selection of places to stay in Jerez whatever your budget. We usually stay at Hipotels Sherry Park. It’s a modern hotel with lovely grounds, including an outdoor pool, and although it’s further out of town, it’s still only an easy fifteen-minute walk to the historic centre with the added bonus of free parking.
If money’s no object, why not book a stay at the Hotel Bodega Tio Pepe with its rooftop pool overlooking the Cathedral? It’s one for my bucket list!
Where to eat in Jerez de la Frontera
There’s no shortage of places to eat in Jerez whether you prefer standing at the bar eating tapas with the locals or you’re into fine dining.
For tapas you’ll be spoilt for choice – we’ve eaten at many places in Jerez but by far my favourite is Val de Pepe. It’s so good we actually went twice on our last visit. It’s outside the historic centre of Jerez but if, like us, you stay at the Hipotels Sherry Park, it’s less than a ten-minute walk.
The menu is small, with an additional choice of daily specials, but the tapas on offer have been elevated beyond the standard fayre. We haven’t quite eaten everything on the menu yet, but we’ve given it a good go – prawns and mussels in puff pastry, squid curry, and crispy prawn bao with kimchi sauce were my favourites.
Getting to Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez has a small airport, not far from the city centre, which has regular flights from the UK and various European cities, as well as daily domestic flights.
Alternatively, Malaga and Seville airports are within driving distance (around 2 hours 30 minutes from Malaga and half that from Seville) and flying into Gibraltar is also an option, with the onward drive to Jerez taking around 90 minutes.
If you’re already in Spain Jerez has regular trains from Cadiz and Seville (both under an hour away) as well as daily services that include Cordoba, Granada, Malaga and Ronda plus further afield from Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia.
The railway station is a ten-minute walk from the city centre (or there are plenty of taxis available).
​​If you need any more convincing that the Sherry Marathon is a great event to be a part of just take a look at the photo galleries from previous years and maybe I’ll see you on the start line!
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After spending some time in Andalucia, I did not know there was a sherry marathon, but I know the region is famous for sherry, so it makes perfect sense! All the times and tips are very practical and perfect to know where to start. I was half expecting to see sherry as one of the refreshments along the route, but sadly it’s not included!! The trail looks beautiful, and while it may be challenging for me, the Spanish sunshine on my back will no doubt make the run more fun and easy.
It’s a great run (or walk as I do quite often!). Definitely one to experience at least once!
I have visited Jerez, but I was not aware of the marathon. This appears to be an excellent guide for those who enjoy distance running. Running around doesn’t interest me, but I’d love to sit in the shade and cheer on the participants while enjoying a glass or two of sherry. I second your recommendation of Val de Pepe. I also enjoyed a fabulous meal there.
You’ve got the sensible idea to cheer on the runners!
I’ve never done a marathon, but this looks like a great route! I would definitely be on the sidelines cheering the runners on! And then of course meeting up at the end for snacks and beverages after the race haha
I swear I only do it for the snacks and drinks!
When I first saw the word Sherry in there I thought this was going to be a very different (and messy) type of marathon. But it actually looks really fun, and is more about the area you run through and not the booze you drink on the way. What a unique marathon, although like you I’d probably opt for the media. I like the drinking glass, very nice. And what great snacks along the way. Jerez also sounds like a great place to explore even without all that exercise… maybe I’ll just cheer everyone on instead
Jerez is one of my favourite cities here in Andalucia – I always eat and drink so much whenever I go that this is the ideal way to burn off all the extra calories!
What a cool idea to market the area’s sherry region with a fun event. This is when travel marketing is done right. I would love to do the promo route through the pictoresque vinyard hills. Even though I don’t drink, I would love to immerse myself in the experience as I feel you get also a great insight into local culture here. As Emma has said, what a unique run. I’ll have this on my radar now (in case Mark can’t make it one year).
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
Yes come and join me – we can do the promo together. It’s beautiful, I think you’d love it!
My boyfriend is very into running and I’ve just mentioned the Sherry Marathon to him-so far he’s only done halfs in the UK but we’re looking at abroad ones going forward. I can then explore when he runs!
I hope he gets the chance to do it one day. You could check out Jerez and then meet him at the end once he’s done all the hard work!
I hope he gets the chance to do it one day. You could check out Jerez and then meet him at the end once he’s done all the hard work!