3 reasons to run the Zurich Marató Barcelona

There are an infinite number of reasons to run the Zurich Marató Barcelona next 16th of March in its 46th edition. But three of them are the key to decide to complete the 42.195 kilometres in a city like Barcelona:

1. A New and monumental route
   For more than three decades, since 1980, the Zurich Marató Barcelona has been held annually through the streets of the Catalan capital, although the first editions of the race were held in Palafrugell, where a popular marathon was run for the first time in Spain in 1978 and 1979. And since 2024, the great Barcelona race has a new course, flatter and faster than ever in the history of this race, reducing by more than 30 metres the accumulated positive slope with respect to the previous circuit, being one of the marathons with less curves in the world. A change of circuit after more than twenty editions of the old one, which was circular and more peripheral.
   In addition, the new course passes through more than fifteen emblematic places in Barcelona: from the start in Paseo de Gracia to the finish line at the Arc de Triomf, passing through the Monumental, Casa Batlló, Bac de Roda Bridge, Sagrada Familia, Ninot Market, University of Barcelona, Sant Antoni Market, Plaza Cataluña, Columbus Monument, Estación de Francia, Parc de la Ciutadella, Hotel Arts and Parc del Forum.
2. The marathon with the best atmosphere in the country and one of the best internationally.
   The new course is designed for participants to enjoy themselves and their companions at the same time. This was demonstrated by the 58% of international participants in last year’s edition. Animation is one of the strong points of the event, given that the new circuit of the Zurich Marató Barcelona is very central, and it is possible to get to different points of the circuit in a few minutes on foot, as well as having a great connectivity with public transport.
   Likewise, from this 2024 the organisation has prepared different initiatives, starting with a new race concept, ‘Barcelona Hits Different’ and ‘More Than Just a Race’, inspired by music festivals to create a unique and exciting experience for its participants during the whole weekend of the event. Starting with the HotSpots, animation for each kilometre point of the circuit representing different local cultural and sporting entities, to be a true reflection of Barcelona’s diversity; the Marathon Masters programme, so that those who have run the race up to five times can have a small tribute; the Corre a Casa circuits, to train around Barcelona and DONAnt Pas, an initiative through a female marathon ambassador and official female trainers to generate community so that more and more women are encouraged to participate in the race, among other initiatives.
3. Barcelona is multicultural, inclusive and lively
   The values of the Zurich Marató Barcelona are also in tune with those of the city in which it is held. Multiculturalism, inclusiveness and a good atmosphere are hallmarks of the city that are also present in its marathon. For this reason, More than Just a Race is the new concept under which the campaigns of the Zurich Marató Barcelona and the eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelona by Brooks are framed, inspired by the atmosphere and the animation that takes place during the weekend of both races.
   For its part, the Zurich Marató Barcelona is committed to the slogan Barcelona Hits Different, paying tribute to the unique ‘vibe’ of Barcelona that can be felt in every corner, in every step and in every stride, from the streets full of history to the contagious energy of its people. A new concept that has called for more than 5,000 runners to have already signed up for 2025.