Barcelona Marathon 2024
Barcelona Marathon 2024: History and Current Route of this awaited sport event
The Barcelona Marathon is one of the most significant sporting events in the Catalan capital and one of the most popular marathons in Europe. Each year, runners from around the world gather to participate in this thrilling 42.195-kilometer race through the iconic streets of Barcelona. In the year 2024, the Barcelona Marathon is expected to be even more special with a new route.
History of the Barcelona Marathon
The Barcelona Marathon was first held in 1980, although there were two previous editions in Palafrugell in 1978 and 1979, known as the Catalonia Marathon.
Since then, the Barcelona Marathon has become an unmissable event for running enthusiasts. During its 49 previous editions, the marathon has grown in popularity and has attracted elite runners from all over the world. The race has also witnessed numerous records and unforgettable moments.
Since its beginnings, the Barcelona Marathon has had a route that allowed participants to enjoy the beauty and history of the city. In the early years, the route focused mainly on the city centre, passing through emblematic places such as the Sagrada Familia, Parc de la Ciutadella and Plaza de España.
In its last edition, the 44th in 2023, the marathon had 15,127 participants, returning to pre-pandemic numbers and growing by 5,000 compared to 2022. The 2024 edition is expected to have around 18,000 participants, as 15,000 people had already registered by early January.
Schedule and Date of the Barcelona Marathon 2024
The 2024 Barcelona Marathon will take place on the second weekend of March, precisely on Sunday the 10th of that month. The start times will be divided into different waves, depending on the time each runner estimates to be able to complete the race. This allows for greater organisation and guarantees an optimal experience for all participants.
As usual, the event is expected to attract thousands of international and local runners, as well as a large number of spectators who will take to the streets of Barcelona to cheer on the participants.
In the last edition, in 2023, the men’s and women’s race records were broken. The first, the male record, was set by the Bahraini athlete Marius Kimutai, with a time of 2:05:06, and the female record was set by the Ethiopian athlete Zeineba Yimer with 2:19:44.
New Route of the Barcelona Marathon in 2024
One of the new features of the 2024 Barcelona Marathon is its route. The route has been carefully designed to include some of the most emblematic points of the city, as well as to offer runners a unique experience.
The start of the new 2024 Marathon route will be from Passeig de Gràcia and the finish will be at Arc de Triomf. This time the route is much more central, as half of the Marathon takes place in the Eixample district, and there is less of an incline.
It will pass through some of the most emblematic places in the city, such as the Monumental, the Parc del Fòrum, the Sagrada Família and the monument to Columbus.
Proposals for Athletics Enthusiasts
In addition to the route change, the 2024 edition will feature four key proposals to engage the population and promote athletics.
The first one, targeted at local runners, is “Run in Your City.” Ten circuits of different distances will be set up in iconic city locations.
“Make it Yours,” the second proposal, allows runners to participate in the traditional 42 kilometers on March 10 or accumulate 32 kilometers in 7 days from anywhere in the world, completing the final 10 kilometers in Barcelona on the event day.
The third proposal, “Marathon Masters,” is a loyalty program that recognizes those who have participated in five, ten, fifteen, or twenty editions of the Barcelona Marathon since 2006.
Finally, “Hot Spots” is the fourth proposal, aimed at all entities, clubs, groups, or associations that wish to have visibility and be part of the Barcelona Marathon celebration.
The Barcelona Marathon 2024 undoubtedly promises to be a historic and exciting edition. With its new route highlighting the city’s most iconic locations, this race will be a unique opportunity for runners to enjoy the beauty and history of Barcelona while challenging their physical limits and recent records. Whether as a participant or a spectator, this event will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable memories.
Where to Stay
At Nobu, we understand the significance of the day before the big event, especially after putting in so much dedicated effort. We’ve crafted the perfect formula for your pre and post-race retreat, offering personalized wellness activities to stretch your body, exclusive access to the spa for relaxation and revitalization and guest rooms that will ensure a restful sleep.
