Overview
The Barcelona Marathon is one of the world's largest marathons, drawing approximately 13k finishers on an urban road in Barcelona, Spain. The course starts and finishes at Plaça d'Espanya. The route passes Sagrada Família, Camp Nou, the Arc de Triomf, and the beachfront. Mostly flat with gentle undulations on diagonal crossings.
Barcelona Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Barcelona Marathon 2027 race day
The next Barcelona Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 21 March 2027 with a 8:30 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Barcelona Marathon course route
The Barcelona Marathon is a mostly flat loop starting and finishing at Plaça d'Espanya, linking landmarks such as the Sagrada Família, Camp Nou, the Arc de Triomf, and the Mediterranean beachfront. Gentle undulations on the broad avenues keep it from being perfectly flat, and the loudest support comes at Plaça d'Espanya and along the Eixample boulevards and coast.
Barcelona Marathon route map

Official course map — view on race website
Barcelona Marathon elevation profile
The Barcelona Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 114 metres of descent, with a net descent of 14 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
For the Barcelona Marathon, registration opens on the official website (zurichmaratobarcelona.es/en) and sells out well in advance — often within days of opening. Sign up early or join the waiting list if the main entry closes.
Barcelona Marathon course video
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
1992 Women's Marathon Barcelona Course Map 2:13:00 - 2:24:10 Valentina Yegorova Yuko Arimori Moller
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Barcelona Marathon elevation profile?
- The Barcelona Marathon has 100 metres of total climbing and 114 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 14 metres of net descent from start to finish.
- Where can I find the Barcelona Marathon route map?
- This page includes a Barcelona Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. The official course map is published at www.zurichmaratobarcelona.es/en/course. Passes Sagrada Família, Camp Nou, the Arc de Triomf, and the beachfront.
- How long is the Barcelona Marathon?
- The Barcelona Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at Plaça d'Espanya.
- What time does the Barcelona Marathon start?
- The 2027 Barcelona Marathon starts at 8:30 am local time on Sunday, 21 March 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.zurichmaratobarcelona.es/en/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Does the Barcelona Marathon pass the Sagrada Família?
- Yes. Gaudí's iconic Sagrada Família basilica is one of the most photographed points on the course. Runners also pass Passeig de Gràcia, the Arc de Triomf, and the beachfront Barceloneta district, making the Zurich Barcelona Marathon one of Europe's most scenic urban races.
- When is the Zurich Barcelona Marathon held?
- The race takes place on the third Sunday of March, benefiting from mild Mediterranean spring weather — typically 10–15 °C — that is well-suited to fast marathon running. Confirm the exact date at zurichmaratobarcelona.es.
- Is the Barcelona Marathon course flat?
- Largely yes. The course has approximately 100 metres of total climbing, with most undulation coming from the gentle coastal terrain. The absence of significant hills makes it a popular choice for runners chasing personal bests.
- How do I register for the Barcelona Marathon?
- Registration opens on the official website (zurichmaratobarcelona.es/en) and sells out well in advance — often within days of opening. Sign up early or join the waiting list if the main entry closes.
- What makes Barcelona Marathon special compared to other European marathons?
- Beyond Gaudí's architecture, the course takes in the 1992 Olympic Stadium on Montjuïc hill (viewable from the route), the Gothic Quarter, and finishes near the seafront. The Spanish crowd atmosphere and Mediterranean backdrop make it a bucket-list race for European runners.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Barcelona.

Marato bp Castello
The Marato bp Castello draws approximately 1,800 finishers each February on an urban road in Castellon, Spain. It is one of Spain's quiet fast-course options for runners who want February racing without major-city logistics. The course passes broad flat streets between the city and coastal plain. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027



Montpellier Marathon
The Montpellier Marathon attracts approximately 2,500 finishers each April through the vibrant university city on France's Mediterranean coast. The course passes the Place de la Comédie, the Antigone district, and the Lez River parklands on flat Languedoc terrain. April's Mediterranean spring and the youthful student-city energy make it southern France's most dynamic marathon.
Next race: Sunday, 25 April 2027
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