Your essential guide to the Barcelona Marathon
The Barcelona Marathon is one of the most popular 26.2-milers in Europe, with 20,000 people registering to take part in this year's race.
Following a rerouting in 2024, Barcelona Marathon has said ‘adios’ to the hills in favour of a fast and thrilling route within the city centre. The highest point is just 50 metres above sea level, with only 33 turns in total — making it one of the marathons with the fewest turns in the world and an ideal race for PB-seekers.
As if to hammer home how much quicker this new course is, in last year's race, Switzerland’s Abraham Tadesse stormed to victory in a new course record of 2:05:01. Always a destination marathon, Barcelona is now officially a fast one too. Here’s everything you need to know.
When is the Barcelona Marathon and what time does it start?
The 2025 Barcelona Marathon will take place on Sunday 16 March. Starting at Passeig de Gràcia, the first runners will set off at 8:30am. Participants will be split into waves depending on their accredited times and set off a few minutes apart from each other.
The wheelchair race will begin at 8:25am.
What is the Barcelona Marathon route?
With a focus on Barcelona’s wealth of historical buildings, the marathon could double as a high-speed sightseeing tour.
Beginning at Passeig de Gràcia, the course will take you past 15 of Barcelona’s historic landmarks, from the Gaudí-designed Sagrada Família to Mirador de Colom (Columbus Monument). The first half of the marathon takes place in the northern and western areas of the city. Many of the paths are several kilometres straight before turning a corner – the longest being 4.9km – giving you plenty of time to take in the city’s stunning views and lock in to pace.
The second half of the marathon, meanwhile, takes you along the coast, offering views of the Med. At 30 kilometres you will head back into the city, twisting and turning through Barcelona’s streets towards the finish line at the Arc de Triomf.
Where can I collect my race bib?
Race bibs can be collected at the Expo on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 March, between the hours of 10am to 8pm. Bibs cannot be collected on race day, but if you are unable to collect your bib on these dates, you can request another person to collect your race bib for you. Make sure that they have a copy of your registration where the bib number appears and a form of photo ID.
Where can I drop off my bag before the race?
You can drop your bag off at Passeig de Lluís Companys, 1.3km away from the start line. This will be open from 7am to 3pm on race day, and the race website will provide a map of the exact location closer to race date.
Will there be refreshments and toilets on the course?
Yes, water, isotonic gels and toilets will be provided at all aid stations during the Barcelona Marathon. Medical services, bananas and gels will also be provided at some of the stations.
5km: WC, water, isotonic drinks and medical services
10km: WC, water, isotonic drink and medical services
15km: WC, water, isotonic drink, medical services and gels
20km: WC, water, isotonic drink, medical services, finisher gel and banana
25km: WC, water, isotonic drink, medical services, finisher gel and banana
27.5km: WC, water, and Isotonic drink
30km: WC, water, isotonic drink, medical services, finisher gel and banana
32.5km: WC, water, and Isotonic drink
35km: WC, water, isotonic drink, medical services, finisher gel and banana
37.5km: WC, water, isotonic drink, and finisher gel
40km: WC, water, isotonic drink, medical services and banana
Is there a cut-off time?
The race will end at 3pm – giving runners six hours to complete the course.
Can I defer my place if I’m ill or injured?
If you are unable to run the Barcelona Marathon, you can transfer your place to another runner. This must be done on the website’s ‘Manage your registration' section. You have until Saturday 15 February to decide whether you want to transfer your place.
How do I enter the Barcelona Marathon?
Unfortunately, registration for the 2025 Barcelona Marathon has now sold out. However, once registration opens for 2026, be sure to get in there quick. Registration is done via Barcelona Marathon’s official race website.
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