Zurich Marató Barcelona 2026

Background & History

The Zurich Marató Barcelona, launched in 1978 as Spain’s first popular marathon, has evolved into one of Europe’s premier running events, earning World Athletics Silver Label status for its elite competition and professional organization. Managed by the Barcelona City Council’s Institut Barcelona Esports and RPM Sports, the marathon has grown from 1,162 finishers in its inaugural year to a record 27,000 participants in 2025, reflecting a 32% increase since 2016 (20,385 runners). Its global appeal draws 60% international participants from over 100 countries and 25% female runners, bolstered by the DONAnt Pas initiative for gender inclusivity. The 2026 edition, set for March 15, will host the 88th Spanish Marathon Championships and the 48th Catalan Marathon Championships, cementing its status as a competitive and cultural cornerstone.

The marathon’s flat, scenic 42.195 km course winds through Barcelona’s architectural marvels, including Gaudí’s Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, Camp Nou, and the Mediterranean waterfront, offering runners a unique blend of sport and culture. Its historical significance lies in democratizing running in Spain, inspired by the global running boom of the 1970s. The event has set records, such as Tesfaye Deriba’s 2:04:13 and Sharon Chelimo’s 2:19:33 in 2025, and supports inclusivity with categories for wheelchair athletes, visually impaired, and intellectually disabled runners. Sustainability is a hallmark, with initiatives like compostable cups, electric generators, and a carbon offset program, positioning it as a leader in eco-conscious sports events. The marathon’s economic impact exceeds €20 million (~$22 million USD), benefiting local businesses and tourism.

Event Highlights

Main Activities or Performances

The Zurich Marató Barcelona 2026, held on Sunday, March 15, starts at 8:30 AM (wheelchair category at 8:25 AM) from Passeig de Gràcia near Plaça Catalunya and finishes at Arc de Triomf. Key activities include:

• Marathon Race: A 42.195 km course, redesigned in 2024 for speed, with minimal inclines (max 5% gradient) and wide avenues. Landmarks include Sagrada Família (km 14), Camp Nou (km 24), Arc de Triomf (finish), and Passeig de Colom. Features 35 pacers across seven pace groups (2h45’ to 4h30’), 12 eco-friendly refreshment stations, and 34 Hot Spots with live music (samba, jazz, rock), cheerleaders, and 200,000+ spectators.
• Expo Sports: Spain’s largest running expo, held March 13–15 at Fira de Barcelona (Montjuïc). Showcases 100+ top brands (Asics, Nike), athlete talks (e.g., elite runners like Deriba), nutrition workshops, and gear testing. Free entry, open to all, with BROTHER Barcelona-designed booths.
• Breakfast Run: A 4 km fun run on March 14 (8:30 AM, Passeig de Gràcia), open to runners, families, and supporters, fostering community spirit.
• Kids Race: March 14 (10:00 AM, Arc de Triomf), with distances for ages 4–14 (100m–1km), promoting youth athletics.
• DONAnt Pas: Women-focused initiative with pre-race training sessions, seven female pacers, and a 2026 goal of 30% female participation.
• Awards Ceremony: March 15 (12:30 PM, Arc de Triomf), honoring elite runners, championship winners, and disability categories. Prizes include €10,000 (~$11,000 USD) for men’s/women’s winners.
• Marathon Masters: Recognizes runners with 10+ participations, offering medals and VIP perks.
• Charity Run: Supports local causes (e.g., cancer research), with donations via registration (€5–€20).

The event hosts 46 elite athletes (33 men, 13 women) and features live tracking via the marathon app.

Special Traditions or Features

The marathon blends Catalan traditions with modern athletics:

• DONAnt Pas: Launched in 2018, it promotes female participation through women-only clinics and pacers, achieving 25% female runners in 2025.
• Phrygian Cap: Spectators wear red Phrygian caps, a nod to Catalan festivals, symbolizing freedom and support.
• Sustainability: Free TMB public transport passes for runners, compostable cups, reusable T-shirts (recycled polyester), reusable finisher/participant bags, electric generators, and a carbon offset program (tree planting in Montserrat, renewable energy projects).
• Championships: As the Spanish and Catalan Marathon Championships, it attracts top national runners.
• Hot Spots: 34 animation points with Catalan castellers (human towers), sardana dancers, and local bands, creating a festive vibe.
• Marató per Parelles: Pairs competition for couples or friends, fostering teamwork.
• Eco-Initiatives: ECOTIC Envases sponsors 12 zero-waste refreshment stations, with compostable materials and recycling bins.

The 2024 course redesign avoids congested areas like Gran de la Sagrera, ensuring a smoother, faster run. Sound limiters at start/finish protect urban wildlife and residents.

Unique Attractions for Visitors

Runners and spectators experience Barcelona’s UNESCO-listed architecture, from Gaudí’s masterpieces to the Gothic Quarter’s medieval charm. Expo Sports offers interactive zones, including VR running simulations and nutrition demos. The race’s 34 Hot Spots feature local performers, creating a carnival-like atmosphere. Visitors can explore nearby Montjuïc Castle, Barceloneta Beach, or La Rambla post-race. The marathon’s sustainability focus, with supervised bike parking and locally sourced refreshments, aligns with Barcelona’s eco-friendly ethos. Family-friendly events like the Kids Race and Breakfast Run, plus cultural tours via Barcelona Turisme, enhance the experience. The mild March weather (avg. 15°C/59°F) and Mediterranean setting make it ideal for combining sport with tourism.

Date & Duration

Festival Dates

• 2026 Dates: Sunday, March 15, 2026 (main race); March 13–15 (Expo Sports, Kids Race, Breakfast Run).
• Future Dates: March 14, 2027 (estimated, based on lunar calendar).

Duration

• Main race: 6 hours maximum (8:30 AM–3:00 PM, March 15).
• Expo Sports: 3 days (March 13–15).
• Pre-race events: 2 days (March 14–15).

Opening Hours

• Race Day: Start at 8:30 AM (wheelchair: 8:25 AM); finish by 3:00 PM. Medical stations open 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.
• Expo Sports:
  • Thursday, March 13: 3:00 PM–8:00 PM
  • Friday, March 14 & Saturday, March 15: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM
• Info Desks: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM (March 13–15); race day 7:00 AM–4:00 PM.
• Refreshment Stations: 8:30 AM–3:00 PM (race day, every 5 km).

Venue / Location

Primary Venues

• Race Start: Passeig de Gràcia, near Plaça Catalunya, a central boulevard with wide lanes for runners.
• Race Finish: Arc de Triomf, Passeig de Lluís Companys, with a festive finish area including medical tents and awards stage.
• Expo Sports: Fira de Barcelona, Montjuïc (Pavilion 7), a 30,000 sq.m. venue with 100+ exhibitors, accessible ramps, and bike parking.
• Refreshment Stations: 12 eco-friendly stations (km 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 32.5, 35, 37.5, 40, 42.2, plus post-finish), offering water, Vitamin Well drinks, bananas, and nuts.
• Hot Spots: 34 animation points along the course (e.g., Sagrada Família, Camp Nou, Plaça d’Espanya), with music and cheering zones.
• Medical Stations: Red Cross posts at start, finish, and km 10, 21, 30, with defibrillators and ambulances.

Venues feature PRM access, safety barriers, recycling stations, and sound limiters. The course is fully paved, certified by World Athletics, with clear signage and volunteer support.

Main Location Addresses

• Main Office: Institut Barcelona Esports, Av. de l’Estadi, 60, 08038 Barcelona, Spain – Google Maps
• Race Start: Passeig de Gràcia, 08007 Barcelona, Spain – Google Maps
• Race Finish: Arc de Triomf, Passeig de Lluís Companys, 08003 Barcelona, Spain – Google Maps
• Expo Sports: Fira de Barcelona, Av. de la Reina Maria Cristina, s/n, 08004 Barcelona, Spain – Google Maps

Ticket Information

Sales Channels

Register via zurichmaratobarcelona.es from June 2026 to March 8, 2026 (30,000 bibs maximum). Bib pickup at Expo Sports (March 13–15, Fira de Barcelona). Costs: €70 (~$76 USD, bibs 1–1,000), €80 (~$87 USD, 1,001–6,000), €90 (~$98 USD, 6,001–16,000). Group bookings (10+ runners) and disability categories via info@zurichmaratobarcelona.es. Expo Sports and Kids Race free; Breakfast Run ~€5–€10. Charity donations (€5–€20) via registration.

Ticket Exchange

Bibs non-transferable; unauthorized transfers result in disqualification and a four-year ban. Corral changes (based on qualifying times) allowed until February 8, 2026, via the registration portal. Refunds for cancellations (e.g., extreme weather) within 30 days via info@zurichmaratobarcelona.es. Lost bibs reissued at Expo with ID and confirmation email.

Admission Type

• Marathon: Paid (€70–€90), 18+, with categories for wheelchair, visually impaired, and intellectually disabled runners (medical certificate required via promocioesportiva2@bcn.cat). Maximum 6-hour completion.
• Expo Sports: Free, open to all ages, no registration needed.
• Kids Race/Breakfast Run: Open to all; Kids Race for ages 4–14, Breakfast Run for families/supporters.
• Spectators: Free along the course; Phrygian caps recommended.

Pricing Range

• Minimum: €70 (~$76 USD, first 1,000 bibs); free for Expo Sports, Kids Race (~€5–€10).
• Maximum: €90 (~$98 USD, bibs 6,001–16,000); premium packages ~€150–€250 (~$163–$272 USD).
• Breakdown:
  • Marathon Bibs: €70–€90 (~$76–$98 USD)
  • Kids Race/Breakfast Run: ~€5–€10 (~$5.50–$11 USD)
  • Charity Donation: ~€5–€20 (~$5.50–$22 USD)
  • Concessions: Limited discounts for disability categories; free for under-5s in Kids Race.
  • Booking Fees: ~€2–€5 (~$2.20–$5.50 USD).
• VIP Options: Premium packages (~€150–€250) include priority bib pickup, VIP lounge access, and guided course tours.

Payment Methods

Online: Visa, Mastercard, PayPal. On-site (Expo): Card payments only. Digital bibs via marathon app.

Contact Information

General Contact

• Tel: +34 93 402 27 00 (Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; extended during event).
• Email: info@zurichmaratobarcelona.es
• Website: https://www.zurichmaratobarcelona.es (English, Spanish, Catalan, French)
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @maratobarcelona
  • Facebook: @ZurichMaratoBarcelona
  • X/Twitter: @MaratoBarcelona
  • Hashtag: #ZurichMaratoBCN2026
• Newsletter: Sign up at zurichmaratobarcelona.es (email, terms acceptance required).

Key Staff

• Organizers: Institut Barcelona Esports, RPM Sports (C/ Roger de Flor, 293, 08025 Barcelona).
• Senate: 24-member advisory board, including Catalan Athletics Federation representatives.
• Volunteer Coordinator: Contact via voluntaris@zurichmaratobarcelona.es.

Organization

• Legal Entity: Institut Barcelona Esports, Av. de l’Estadi, 60, 08038 Barcelona, Spain.
• Note: Response ~24–48 hours; multilingual support (English, Spanish, Catalan, French). Volunteer inquiries (1,300+ needed) via website.

Cultural Experience

Artistic Diversity

The marathon immerses runners in Barcelona’s modernist and medieval heritage, passing Gaudí’s Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and the Gothic Quarter’s Cathedral. The 34 Hot Spots feature Catalan castellers, sardana dancers, and local bands (flamenco, rumba catalana), blending sport with cultural celebration. Expo Sports, designed by BROTHER Barcelona students, showcases art-inspired T-shirts and interactive booths with VR running simulations. The marathon’s medals and banners reflect Barcelona’s mosaic aesthetic, inspired by Gaudí.

Community Engagement

The event engages 1,300+ volunteers from 22 local entities, fostering civic pride. DONAnt Pas hosts women-only training sessions, increasing female participation to 25% in 2025 (target: 30% in 2026). The Kids Race and Breakfast Run involve families, while 200,000+ spectators create a vibrant atmosphere. Charity initiatives support cancer research and local NGOs, with €100,000+ raised in 2025. Social media campaigns (#ZurichMaratoBCN2026) and live app tracking boost global engagement.

Culinary and Local Traditions

Refreshment stations (every 5 km) provide local oranges, bananas, nuts, Vitamin Well drinks, and water, all sourced sustainably. Post-race, runners enjoy Catalan dishes like pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato), escalivada (roasted vegetables), and crema catalana (~€5–€15) at nearby eateries in Eixample or Barceloneta. Vegan/gluten-free options available. The event promotes Catalonia’s Mediterranean diet, with eco-friendly packaging and local suppliers.

Local Exploration

Explore La Rambla, Park Güell, or Montjuïc Castle (1 km from Expo). Day trips to Montserrat (50 km, ~1 hr) offer monastery visits and hiking. Barcelona Turisme (barcelonaturisme.com) provides guided tours of Gaudí sites or the Gothic Quarter. The marathon’s seafront finish at Arc de Triomf allows post-race relaxation at Barceloneta Beach.

Food & Drinks

Culinary Offerings

• Refreshment Stations: Local oranges, bananas, almonds, Vitamin Well drinks, water (free for runners). Post-finish: energy bars, fruit (~free).
• Expo Eateries: Catalan tapas (pa amb tomàquet, patatas bravas, ~€5–€12), vegan escalivada (~€7–€10), crema catalana, gelato (~€3–€7).
• Beverages: Water, sports drinks (free for runners); Estrella Damm beer, Priorat wines, non-alcoholic horchata (~€3–€8).
• Nearby Restaurants: Eixample and Barceloneta offer fideuà (seafood noodle dish, ~€10–€20) and suquet (fish stew, ~€12–€18).

Dining Logistics

12 refreshment stations use compostable cups; recycling bins at all venues. No glass or alcohol on course. Expo eateries (9:00 AM–8:00 PM) accept cards only. Free water stations; allergen info available.

Getting There

By Air

• Barcelona-El Prat (BCN): 15 km (~20 min drive, ~$100–$300 USD flights). Metro L9 Sud to Fira (~30 min, ~€5). Taxis ~€25–€35.
• Girona-Costa Brava (GRO): 100 km (~1.5 hr drive, ~$80–$250 USD). Bus to Barcelona (~1.5 hr, ~€15–€25).
• Reus Airport (REU): 110 km (~1.5 hr drive, ~$80–$200 USD).

By Train

• Barcelona Sants: From Madrid (~2.5 hr, ~$30–$80 USD), Valencia (~3 hr, ~$20–$50 USD). Metro L3/L5 to Plaça d’Espanya (~10 min, ~€2.40).
• Fira Station: L9 Sud direct to Expo (~10 min, ~€5).

By Bus

• TMB bus no. 13 to Fira (~20 min, ~€2.40). Free TMB pass (metro, bus, tram) for runners during race weekend. Regional buses from Girona (~€15, 1.5 hr).

By Car

• AP-7/AP-2 to Barcelona. Parking at Fira Montjuïc (~€10–€20/day, PRM spaces via barcelona.cat). Limited race-day access due to road closures.

By Bike/Walking

• Supervised bike parking at Expo (free, March 13–15). Bicing rentals (~€10–€20/day). Start/finish ~10 min walk from Plaça d’Espanya. Course barriers ensure pedestrian safety.

Accommodation Options

Luxury

• Hotel Miramar Barcelona: Montjuïc, 5-star, sea views, ~$150–$400 USD/night; hotelmiramarbarcelona.com.
• W Barcelona: Barceloneta, 5-star, beachfront, ~$200–$500 USD/night; w-barcelona.com.

Mid-Range

• Hotel Catalonia Barcelona Plaza: Plaça d’Espanya, 4-star, ~$80–$200 USD/night; cataloniahotels.com.
• Ayre Hotel Gran Vía: Near Fira, 4-star, ~$70–$180 USD/night; ayrehoteles.com.

Budget

• Hostel One Sants: Near Sants Station, ~$30–$80 USD/night; hostelone.com.
• Hotel Travelodge Barcelona Fira: Budget, ~$40–$100 USD/night; travelodge.es.
• Camping 3 Estrellas: Gavà, 15 km, ~$20–$60 USD/night; camping3estrellas.com.

Airbnb

• Apartments in Eixample/Barceloneta, ~$50–$200 USD/night; book 6–12 months early via airbnb.com.

Camping Notes

Campsites offer Wi-Fi, showers, and food stalls. No open fires; book via barcelona.cat. Public transport to Fira available.

Accessibility

Overview

Adheres to Spanish accessibility laws (RD 1/2013). Wheelchair category starts at 8:25 AM. Contact promocioesportiva2@bcn.cat for PRM support. Red Cross ensures medical coverage.

Accessible Tickets

Disability categories (wheelchair, visually impaired, intellectually disabled) require medical certificates. Free companion passes; register via promocioesportiva2@bcn.cat. Expo free for all.

Venue Accessibility

Ramps at start (Passeig de Gràcia), finish (Arc de Triomf), and Expo (Fira Montjuïc). Accessible toilets, PRM viewing areas at finish. Service dogs with ID permitted. Course certified for wheelchair navigation.

Transport Accessibility

TMB metro/buses (L3, L5, L9 Sud) fully accessible; free for runners. PRM parking at Fira (~€10/day, apply via barcelona.cat). Accessible taxis: +34 93 420 80 88.

Digital Accessibility

Website and app WCAG-compliant, with screen reader support and multilingual navigation (English, Spanish, Catalan).

On-Site Support

1,300+ volunteers, including PRM stewards at start, finish, and Expo. Red Cross posts with defibrillators. Strollers allowed in spectator zones; no chairs or lockers.