The Zurich Marató Barcelona 2025 optimises its route to improve the runners and spectators experience for runners and spectators

The circuit retains the essence of the 2024 renewal, but incorporates key changes to the first and last sections.

The Zurich Marató Barcelona 2025 will be held on 16 March, maintaining the route renewed in 2024, praised for its central, monumental and lively design. The start will be from Passeig de Gràcia at 8:30 am, and the finish line will be located at the Arc de Triomf, offering participants a unique experience as they run through the city’s most emblematic sites. For next edition, the course has been optimised to favour the achievement of good personal bests. In addition, these adjustments aim to improve safety and efficiency, allowing participants to fully enjoy Barcelona.

With a cumulative elevation gain of 134 metres and a total of 43 curves, the course stands out for its long straights, facilitating a constant pace. The longest straight stretches for 4.72 km in València street (km 5 to km 10). The curves and gradient have been reduced compared to previous editions, improving the speed and fluidity of the route.

The runners will pass iconic points such as the Sagrada Familia, the Eixample, the Columbus Monument, the Estació de França, the Parc de la Ciutadella, the Hotel Arts, the Torre Glòries and, of course, the Arc de Triomf. The first half of the course has an elevation gain of 76 metres, while the second half is faster and more favourable, with an accumulated elevation gain of 58 metres.

35 hares, seven of them women, will assist the runners in paces of 2h45‘, 3h, 3h15’, 3h30‘, 3h45’, 4h and 4h30′. In addition, there will be refreshment points every 2.5 km from km 5 onwards, with water, isotonic drinks and fruit to guarantee adequate hydration and nutrition.

The Zurich Marató Barcelona 2025 is not only a top-level competition, but also a celebration for the city. With a fast, central and monumental route, it has been designed to offer an unforgettable experience for runners and spectators alike. The use of public transport is recommended, as some streets will be closed from 6:00 am.

ROUTE ANALYSIS

Km 0 – Km 10: Start and first kilometres

• Start: From Passeig de Gràcia, providing ample space to set the initial pace.
• Route: Transit through the Eixample, passing through emblematic streets such as Aragó and València.

Km 10 – Km 15: Meridiana and Sagrada Familia

• Route: Descent along Avinguda Meridiana after crossing the Pont de Calatrava (km 10), allowing a faster pace.
• Novelty: The route has avoided Gran de la Sagrera and its central cycle lane, opting instead for Felip II, Josep Estivill and Gran de la Sagrera after the conflict zone.
• Highlight: At km 14, passing in front of the Sagrada Família, coinciding with the highest point of the route.

Km 15 – Km 21: Eixample and Half Marathon

• Route: Passage through the Eixample, with its wide avenues and modernist architecture.
• Novelty: Turn onto Rambla de Catalunya instead of returning to Passeig de Gràcia.
• Half marathon: Km 21 is the key point to evaluate strategies.

Km 21 – Km 27: Paral-lel, Colón and Ciutadella

• Route: Down Avinguda Paral-lel, past the Columbus Monument and along the Estació de França.
• Highlight: At km 27, the Parc de la Ciutadella offers a revitalising respite.

Km 27 – Km 31: Front Marítim and Fòrum

• Route: Flat stretch along the coastline, passing the Hotel Arts and the Forum.
• Advice: Be aware of possible coastal winds that could affect performance.

Km 31 – Km 36: Avinguda Diagonal

• Route: Entrance to Avinguda Diagonal via Plaça de Llevant.
• Profile: Section with a false flat, it is advisable to maintain a controlled pace on the outward leg and increase speed on the downward lap.

Km 36 – Km 39: Poblenou and Vila Olímpica

• Novelty: Introduction of a detour along Carrer Pallars at km 37.5, coinciding with a refreshment point.
• Atmosphere: Public support in this area provides an extra boost.

Km 39 – Km 42: Marina, Ausiàs Marc and Arc de Triomf

• Route: Slight ascent along Carrer Marina, entering the city centre.
• Novelty: Turn onto Carrer Bruc, linking up with Ronda de Sant Pere and a new footbridge at Plaça Vilanova.
• Finish line: The view of the Arc de Triomf will serve as the final motivation, with the public cheering in the last few metres to the finish.