Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona Marathon

Sunday, March 15, 2026
Mostly Flat
Open Registration

Course Profile

Difficulty
Mostly Flat
Terrainroad
Elevation Gain95m
Elevation Loss100m

Relatively flat urban course with a net downhill profile. Passes along the beachfront and through the Gothic Quarter. Some gentle undulations.

Typical Weather

Temperature9°C - 17°C
Humiditymoderate

Pleasant Mediterranean spring weather. Often sunny and mild. Can occasionally be warmer than ideal for running.

Registration

Entry TypeOpen Registration
Typically HeldSecond or third Sunday in March

Open registration with early bird pricing available. Popular race that fills months in advance. No time qualification required.

Official Website

What Makes This Race Special

  • 1
    Mediterranean coastal scenery
  • 2
    Passes Gaudí's Sagrada Família
  • 3
    Finish on Plaça d'Espanya
  • 4
    Excellent value for a major European marathon
  • 5
    Mild spring weather

The Barcelona Marathon combines Mediterranean beauty with an urban adventure through one of Europe's most vibrant cities. With its relatively flat profile, stunning architecture, and enthusiastic Spanish crowds, Barcelona offers an unforgettable spring marathon experience.

The Course

The Barcelona course showcases the city's unique blend of historic architecture and beachfront beauty. Starting and finishing near Plaça d'Espanya, the route loops through the city's diverse neighborhoods, including extended sections along the Mediterranean coast.

A Tour of Barcelona

The course takes runners past Barcelona's most iconic landmarks:

  • Plaça d'Espanya (Start/Finish) - At the base of Montjuïc
  • Diagonal (miles 2-4) - Barcelona's grand avenue
  • Sagrada Família (mile 7) - Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece
  • Glòries (mile 9) - Modern Barcelona
  • Barceloneta Beach (miles 12-15) - Mediterranean coastline
  • Port Olímpic (mile 14) - Olympic marina
  • Gothic Quarter (miles 20-22) - Medieval streets
  • Las Ramblas (mile 23) - Famous pedestrian boulevard
  • Montjuïc (miles 24-26) - Final push to the finish

Course Profile

While Barcelona isn't pancake-flat like Amsterdam or Berlin, it's a fast course with a net downhill profile. The gentle undulations never become challenging hills, making it well-suited for personal bests.

Why Barcelona?

Barcelona offers exceptional value - a well-organized major European marathon at a fraction of the cost of London or Berlin, in one of the world's most desirable travel destinations.

The March timing makes it an attractive early-season goal race, allowing runners to use winter for marathon-specific training and then celebrate their finish with a few days of Spanish sunshine.

Getting In

Barcelona uses simple open registration:

  • Registration opens approximately 10 months before race day
  • Early bird pricing offers significant savings
  • No lottery or qualification required
  • The race is popular and typically sells out
  • Register early for best pricing and guaranteed entry

Race Day Tips

  • Morning sun can be deceptive - Mediterranean spring can warm quickly
  • The beachfront is exposed - Prepare for potential sea breezes
  • La Sagrada Família provides a boost - One of the race's emotional highlights
  • Stay focused in the Gothic Quarter - The narrow streets can feel cramped
  • Save energy for Montjuïc - The final kilometers have some gradual climbing

Train for Barcelona Marathon

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