Barcelona Marathon

The Barcelona Marathon: the king of Catalonia!

The Barcelona Marathon is one of the must-attend marathons in Europe and one of the most popular. Created in 1978, it quickly established itself as one of the most popular marathons in Spain, alongside those in Madrid and Valencia. The event got a fresh start in 2006, with a route that connects all the iconic landmarks of Catalonia’s capital! Sagrada Família, the Ramblas, Camp Nou, and Plaça d’Espanya—it’s a showcase of Catalan culture awaiting participants. Traditionally held in March, the marathon course is ideal for runners seeking personal records.

Every year, between 15,000 and 20,000 participants take part in this major sporting event, representing over 100 different nationalities. Known for being relatively flat, the Catalan pavement has witnessed record times set by Tadesse Abraham (2 h 05 min 01 s) and Degitu Azimeraw (2 h 19 min 52 s), two reference points that new participants dream of surpassing each year!

The Barcelona Marathon features a course designed for both sport and tourism. Starting at Place d’Espagne with a grand view of the Montjuic hills and the Catalan Art Museum, marathoners embark on the first segment of the route. The initial 19 kilometers are laid out on six long straight paths, interspersed with a few 90° turns. Six more long straights are to be expected before crossing the iconic finish line beneath the Arc de Triomf. More than a third of the route consists of wide boulevards, allowing runners to tour the city from East to West and North to South without wasting time winding through the narrow streets of Barcelona’s historic center.

The atmosphere along the course is electric, with enthusiastic spectators and numerous musical performances cheering on the marathoners throughout the race. Concerts, marching bands, entertainment, and crowds in high spirits—it’s a real festival that unfolds each year on the streets of the 8th most popular tourist city in the world!

The Barcelona Marathon is more than just a race: it’s a cultural and sports celebration in a fascinating city. Whether it’s to improve their time, explore Barcelona from a different perspective, or simply to experience something unique, this event promises to leave an indelible memory for all its participants.