On March 15, Barcelona once again came alive with the spirit of running. From early morning, the city’s streets filled with thousands of runners, families and volunteers ready to experience a memorable day. The atmosphere was electric: live music at multiple points along the course, residents cheering from balconies and a mild sun accompanying the roar of the peloton.
After selling all 32,000 bibs months in advance, the Zurich Marató Barcelona delivered the largest edition in its history, further establishing itself among Europe’s great marathon events. This race recap highlights what happened on the streets, the day’s main protagonists and some tips for runners dreaming of crossing the Arc de Triomf finish line next year.
A marathon that confirms Barcelona’s running boom
The 2026 edition confirmed Barcelona’s place among the major international marathons. With 32,000 runners on the starting line and strong international participation, the event once again proved its appeal to both amateur athletes and elite competitors.
The mostly flat and fully urban course guided runners through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks: Plaça de Catalunya, the wide avenues of the Eixample district, the Sagrada Família, the Barceloneta seafront and Parc de la Ciutadella. Thousands of spectators lined the streets all morning, transforming the race into a true celebration of sport.
The event also served as the Spanish National Marathon Championship, adding another competitive dimension to the day.
Women’s race: Fotyen Tesfay delivers a historic debut
The standout performance of the day came from Ethiopian runner Fotyen Tesfay. In her marathon debut, the 28-year-old produced an extraordinary performance, crossing the finish line in 2:10:53, one of the fastest times ever recorded in the distance.
Tesfay reached the halfway mark at a pace close to the world record and maintained impressive splits for most of the race. Although wind in the final kilometres prevented a world-record attempt, her performance shattered the Barcelona course record and became one of the most remarkable marathon debuts in history.
The women’s podium was completed by Kenya’s Joan Jepkosgei Kiplimo and Ethiopia’s Zeineba Yimer. Among Spanish runners, Carolina Robles was the standout performer, winning the Spanish national title in 2:24:58 in her marathon debut.
- Women’s Top 5: Fotyen Tesfay (ETH) 2:10:53; Joan Jepkosgei Kiplimo (KEN) 2:18:42; Zeineba Yimer (ETH) 2:18:49; Chaltu Chimdesa Kumsa (ETH) 2:23:32; Yalganesh Gedefa (ETH) 2:24:05.
- Historic debut: Tesfay recorded one of the fastest marathon debuts ever.
- Spanish champion: Carolina Robles (ESP) 2:24:58.
Men’s race: Abel Chelangat claims victory
In the men’s race, Ugandan runner Abel Chelangat secured victory after a tactical battle in the closing kilometres. He crossed the finish line in 2:04:57, one of the fastest winning times ever recorded in Barcelona.
The leading group stayed together until around kilometre 35, when the pace began to split the field. Chelangat launched his decisive attack in the final kilometres and managed to break away from his rivals before finishing under the Arc de Triomf.
Kenya’s Patrick Kabirech Mosin finished second and Jonathan Samanayo Korir completed the podium. Among Spanish runners, Ricardo Rosado claimed the national title with a time close to 2:13.
- Men’s Top 5: Abel Chelangat (UGA) 2:04:57; Patrick Kabirech Mosin (KEN); Jonathan Samanayo Korir (KEN); Moses Kipngetich Kemei (KEN); Kaan Kigen Özbilen (TUR).
- Spanish champion: Ricardo Rosado.
- African dominance: East African runners once again dominated the leaderboard.
The course experience
The start in central Barcelona is one of the most exciting moments of the race. The opening kilometres run through the wide avenues of the Eixample district, where runners can quickly settle into a comfortable rhythm.
At around kilometre 15, runners pass one of the most iconic landmarks on the course: the Sagrada Família, where thousands of spectators gather to cheer them on.
The coastal section between kilometres 27 and 35 is often the most demanding part of the race due to wind exposure and the increasing sun. This is where many runners encounter the famous wall, when accumulated fatigue begins to take its toll.
The final kilometres guide runners back toward the city centre along Passeig de Lluís Companys, where the Arc de Triomf marks one of the most spectacular finishes in the European marathon calendar.
Tips if you want to run the Barcelona Marathon
- Control your early pace: the course feels fast at the start, but conserving energy is essential.
- Prepare for coastal wind: training in windy conditions can help.
- Pay attention to nutrition: use the aid stations every 5 km.
- Train on long straight roads: the course includes many long, open sections.
- Use SnapRace: the app allows you to track training sessions, analyse splits and relive your race afterwards.
Final thoughts
The 2026 Barcelona Marathon will be remembered for Fotyen Tesfay’s historic performance, record participation and the incredible atmosphere throughout the city’s streets. With a fast course, strong organisation and enthusiastic crowds, the Zurich Marató Barcelona continues to establish itself as one of Europe’s must-run marathons.
If you haven’t experienced it yet, now might be the perfect time to start preparing. Next year, the Arc de Triomf will once again welcome thousands of runners chasing their own marathon story.