The Barcelona Marathon

Here is everything you need to know about the Barcelona Marathon

With 27,000 running the last edition of the event, the Barcelona Marathon is growing rapidly. It takes place in one of Spain's most fascinating cities, in March every year and goes past some of Europe's most well known landmarks, like the football stadium, Camp Nou and the Casa Batloi, designed by Antoni Gaudí, and considered one of his masterpieces. And then there's Gaudi's other landmark, the unfinished Cathedral that you'll also see en route.

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Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, Spain, an intriguing city of art, culture and beauty, with a population of 1.6 million. Famous architect, Antoni Gaudi's works are everywhere, there are museums and famous landmarks around every corner and then there is the huge range of cafes, tapas bars, wine bars and cocktail lounges; with seemingly something for everyone. The Rambles is the place to be seen - it's the heart of the tourist centre of the City. Take a tram trip up to the top of Tibidabo and enjoy the stunning sights of the city. Check out Barceloneta beach, another great place to soak up the atmosphere. Football (soccer) is at the absolute heart of Barcelona. Camp Nou stadium is the home of all conquering FC Barcelona, with their local rivals RCD Espanyol playing nearby.

The city is dominated by the works of Gaudi. His most famous is Sagrada Família, Barcelona's Roman Catholic basilica; its unfinished Cathedral. The most visited monument in Spain, work began in 1882, with a recent target for completion set for 2026. Six new towers will soon be added , bringing the total to 18. The tallest of the new towers will be 564 feet (172 meters) high, making the cathedral the tallest religious structure in Europe. In addition to the Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí left his mark on his city and his era with masterpieces, the Casa Mila and the fabulous modernist garden of Park Guell, being two of the most famous.

History

The Marathon was started by a Catalan chemist, Ramón Oliu, after he had run the New York Marathon in 1976. Because there were no marathons in Catalonia at the time, Oliu decided to organize the first one in 1978. He held it in Palafrugell because he couldn't get a permit to hold it in Barcelona, and he named the race "Catalunya 78" as a result. It was held in Palafrugell again in 1979 for the same reason, but was subsequently moved to Barcelona in 1980. The marathon eventually became known as the "Marathon Catalunya" After a number of intermediate name changes, the name was eventually changed to "Zurich Marató de Barcelona" in 2012 reflecting the support of a new sponsor.

In 2023 the event was awarded a Gold Label by World Athletics. This is a distinctive label given to an event by the sport's governing body, based on a number of factors, such as facilities for the general runner and the quality of the elite field.

Race Organiser

The Marathon is organized by a Promotion Committee made up of four institutions and entities: The City of Barcelona, the Marató de Barcelona Platform, the Catalan Athletics Federation and Barcelona Tourism. The event is coordinated by the Institut Barcelona Esports, and its Executive Organization is carried out by ASO (Amaury Sport Organization, who own the Paris Marathon and Paris Half Marathon) and RPM SPORTS. In addition, the Zurich Marató Barcelona Senate, a consultative body made up of 24 renowned figures in the world of athletics and the organization of sporting events in Catalunya, will act as an observer of the race and of its organisation.

When is the Barcelona Marathon?

The race is held annually in March.

Distances

Marathon only but there are build up events leading up to it from January onwards.

Is there an Expo?

Yes. It's on Friday and Saturday. You'll need to pick up your bib there.

How many runners?

27,000

Plenty of hydration opportunities!

The course

The Barcelona Marathon is a full urban lap that routes its way through the heart of the city. The route starts and finishes at Plaça d'Espanya, at the foot of Montjuïc, in the Sants-Montjuïc district. The marathon course passes Camp Nou, the home of FC Barcelona, back to Plaça d'Espanya, past the Sagrada Familia (a real highlight!), and near the beach in northeast. The route then heads around the old city, back to the beach and returns to Plaça d'Espanya. It has many straight sections, separated by sharp street corners. The route is mostly flat but has some inclines around the 25–27 km and 39–41 km markers. There is plenty of support from locals and friends and families of runners.

What's unique?

Seeing Gaudi's work, without the traffic. The Sagrada Familia is unbelievable.

Do charities benefit?

Since 2020, the Z Zurich Foundation has aimed to contribute to the development of solidarity in running in Spain and this year renews its commitment by donating 1 euro for each participant who reaches the finish line in the marathons, half-marathons and Women’s races that the company sponsors in Spain, a total of 17 events in which the amount raised will go to various charitable causes chosen according to each race. Through this action, the Z Zurich Foundation plans to donate up to 750,000 euros to non-profit organisations over the three years of this charity project. Runners can also raise funds for their preferred charities, but this is uncommon and is generally limited to runners from the UK and US.

There is history everywhere

Our verdict

The Barcelona Marathon, is as you'd expect from an ASO event, a really well organised big city centre event. It gives runners an opportunity to see the City from a unique perspective and without the massive crowds associated with the likes of London and Berlin. It showcases the best that Barcelona has to offer and it's relatively straightforward to get registered, pick up the bib etc. Do you agree? Add your comments below if you've done this one.

How to register

Online via the website. It does not sell out yet, but don't leave it too late.

Race website

https://www.zurichmaratobarcelona.es/en/