Next race
Sunday, 14 March 2027
8:30 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain
100 m climbing
Race profile
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.
- Typical participants
Approximately 13k finishers
- Weather
- Course records
- Men: 2:04:13 — Tesfaye Deriba (2025)Women: 2:10:51 — Fotyen Tesfay (2026)
Course & terrain
Barcelona Marathon course
Route map and elevation profile for race-week planning.
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
The Barcelona Marathon course is rolling 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.
- Elevation
Rolling · 100 m gain — approx. 15 m above sea level
↑ 100 m · ↓ 114 m · net −14 m
Registration
Barcelona Marathon 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.
Getting there
Barcelona Marathon travel
Airports closest to Barcelona for flight planning and race-week travel.
- Closest airport
Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
12 km / 8 mi
Race footage
Barcelona Marathon videos
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
Common questions
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 rolling, 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. 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, 14 March 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications 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. Organisers confirm the exact start time and any schedule changes closer to race weekend.
- 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 online in the months before the race 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.
Official resources
Barcelona Marathon links
Websites
Social Media
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Nearby Marathons
Other races closest to Barcelona.
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Next race: Sunday, 7 February 2027
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Next race: Sunday, 6 December 2026
Planning guides
Related guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Marathon Course Profiles Explained
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
Marathon Weather: What to Expect
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
How to Choose a Marathon
Match a race to your goals — personal bests, sightseeing, atmosphere, or a major milestone — using course data and realistic expectations.