Every October, thousands of dog owners take to Madrid's streets for the Perrotón, a charity race raising awareness for pet adoption and responsible ownership. The 2026 edition marks its 15th anniversary and moves to a new venue: the Hipódromo de la Zarzuela, where participants run the traditional 4.5km course inside the racecourse's central ring.
What it is
Perrotón Madrid Nicka Run is a charity run open to owners and their dogs, organised by the non-profit Asociación Perrotón under ambassador Alejandra Botto. For its 15th edition, the race leaves its traditional Paseo de la Castellana route and moves entirely inside the Hipódromo de la Zarzuela, where the 4.5km course runs along a mixed circuit of compacted earth, grass and internal roads rather than asphalt.
The race itself is bookended by other activities. Before and after, participants can visit Perrotón Village, catch a DJ set from resident DJ Sofía Cristo, and attend an awards ceremony recognising past honorees, which have included Queen Sofía and the National Police. A performance on the main stage closes out the day's programme.
New for 2026, the afternoon continues with the first Madrid Dog Fest: an exhibition by the National Police's UEGC canine unit, food stalls for people and dogs, a Dogga masterclass led by Alejandra Botto, a demonstration by the Mariscal Association's Proyecto Pepo (dogs trained to protect survivors of gender violence), an agility show by Security Dogs, and open casting for Spain's largest dog-actor search, running alongside a DJ set into the evening.
Why it's worth attending
The move to the Hipódromo de la Zarzuela is the biggest change in the race's history: a closed, perimeter-controlled venue that removes the traffic closures of previous editions and gives dogs a softer running surface than the Castellana's asphalt. Thirty percent of every entry fee goes directly to the non-profit Perrotón association, which funds animal shelters, spaying and neutering campaigns, and leishmaniasis-prevention work. The 2025 edition drew more than 5,000 participants and their dogs.
Practical info
Entry fees vary by tier (Inscripción Normal, VIP, Dorsal Solidario) and can be paid online or in person at any El Corte Inglés pet department across Spain and Portugal. Welcome Packs are collected in person at El Corte Inglés Paseo de la Castellana on the two days before the race; dogs must have an up-to-date vaccination record and microchip.
FAQ
When and where is Perrotón Madrid 2026?
Saturday, 17 October 2026, starting at 12:00, at the Hipódromo de la Zarzuela in Madrid — a new venue for the race's 15th edition, replacing the previous Paseo de la Castellana route.
How much does it cost to enter Perrotón Madrid 2026?
Entry starts at €10 for the Dorsal Solidario (a non-running donation option); the standard running entry is €20, and the VIP entry with extra perks is €50.
How long is the Perrotón Madrid race?
The course covers 4.5km, run this year entirely inside the Hipódromo de la Zarzuela on a mixed surface of compacted earth, grass and internal roads.
What is the Madrid Dog Fest?
A new addition for 2026, held straight after the race at the same venue, with a National Police canine exhibition, an agility show, a Dogga masterclass, food stalls for dogs and owners, and open casting for dog actors.
Where do I collect my Perrotón Welcome Pack?
At the Sports floor (5th floor) of El Corte Inglés on Paseo de la Castellana, on the Saturday and Sunday immediately before race day.
