The Barcelona Half Marathon 2026 took place on Sunday, 15 February, turning the Catalan capital into a world running capital. More than 30,000 runners from 95 nationalities lined up on Passeig de Picasso — a participation record that confirms the race as Spain’s largest half marathon and the second largest in Europe. This year’s edition not only offered a flat, fast course through the heart and along the coast of Barcelona, it also delivered historic performances in both the men’s and women’s races.
A record‑breaking route and a festive atmosphere
The Barcelona course is renowned for its speed: it starts and finishes in Parc de la Ciutadella and winds past landmarks such as Plaça Colom, the Arc de Triomf, Torre Glòries and the waterfront to the Port Olímpic. Thanks to its virtually flat profile and perfect weather (11 °C with no wind), the race attracts athletes aiming to improve their personal bests and chase records. Organisers not only closed traffic along the 21.097 km route; they also installed 22 cheer zones and mobilised 650 volunteers and bands to create a continuous street party.
Our pre‑race guide on SnapRace highlighted these logistics, recommending the metro to reach the start area and emphasising the need for a smart pacing plan. The advice proved spot on: more than 40 percent of entrants were women — over 12,000 female runners — and 55 percent were under 35, showing that the Barcelona Half continues to renew its audience without losing its soul.
Hagos Gebrhiwet’s dominant victory
In the men’s race, Ethiopia’s Hagos Gebrhiwet took command from the first kilometre and set a blistering tempo. He hit 10 km in 27:30 and was never threatened by the chasing pack, stopping the clock at 58:05 — the fastest half‑marathon time in the world so far in 2026. His run echoes Jacob Kiplimo’s world record the previous year, when the Ugandan star tore through the same course in 56:42. Switzerland’s Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu finished second in 59:26 and France’s Emmanuel Roudolff took third in 59:37. Kenya’s Samwel Mailu and Ethiopia’s Hagos Eyob Gared rounded out the top five.
- 1st Hagos Gebrhiwet (ETH) — 58:05
- 2nd Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu (SUI) — 59:26
- 3rd Emmanuel Roudolff (FRA) — 59:37
- 4th Samwel Mailu (KEN) — 59:42
- 5th Hagos Eyob Gared (ETH) — 59:42
Loice Chemnung breaks the course record as Weini Kelati makes history
Kenya’s Loice Chemnung delivered a similar masterclass in the women’s race. At halfway she already had a half‑minute lead and crossed the line in a stunning 1:04:01, slicing 10 seconds off the course record Joyciline Jepkosgei set in 2025. American Weini Kelati finished runner‑up in 1:06:04, lowering her own U.S. record by five seconds and confirming her rise as a world‑class road racer. Ethiopia’s Diniya Kedir Abaraya claimed third with 1:06:28, followed by American Taylor Roe and Kenya’s Magdalyne Masai.
- 1st Loice Chemnung (KEN) — 1:04:01 (course record)
- 2nd Weini Kelati (USA) — 1:06:04 (U.S. record)
- 3rd Diniya Kedir Abaraya (ETH) — 1:06:28
- 4th Taylor Roe (USA) — 1:06:52
- 5th Magdalyne Yeko Masai (KEN) — 1:07:42
A celebration for runners of all abilities
Beyond the elite performances, Barcelona’s “Mitja” is a celebration for thousands of amateur runners out to beat their personal best or simply soak up the atmosphere. The 2025 edition already made history with more than 12,000 women and an average age under 35. This year continued that trend: strong female representation and runners from every continent shared a course that blends art, history and sea views. Organisers provided aid stations every 5 km, pacers for various finish times and an after‑race party called PaRUNda at Poble Espanyol, which sold out its 3,500 tickets.
Among the leading Spaniards, Jorge González clocked 1:01:52 and Carolina Robles, racing the distance for the first time, finished in 1:09:38, highlighting the depth of domestic talent. In the mass race there were touching stories: first‑time finishers overcome with emotion, athletes with disabilities completing the course thanks to volunteer support and charity teams raising funds for Barcelona’s Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, which received a one‑euro donation for every finisher.
Tips for preparing for next year’s race
If you dream of running the next Barcelona Half Marathon, now is the time to start planning. Here are some recommendations based on this year’s experience:
- Start training early: commit to at least 12 weeks of half‑marathon‑specific training that includes long runs, speed work and strength sessions.
- Use digital tools: apps like SnapRace let you plan, compete virtually and analyse your pace accurately. Our virtual coach suggests workouts tailored to your level and keeps you motivated with weekly challenges.
- Recreate the course: incorporate goal‑pace sessions on flat terrain and practise surges to prepare for the long straights of Avinguda Diagonal and the seaside finish.
- Sort out logistics: book your bib well in advance, pick up your race packet at the Expo Sports fair and use public transport on race day to avoid delays.
- Enjoy the city: Barcelona is an exceptional destination. Take time to visit the Sagrada Família or wander through El Born during race weekend.
Final thoughts
The Barcelona Half Marathon 2026 confirmed why the race holds World Athletics Gold Label status: lightning‑fast course, impeccable organisation and an atmosphere that enchants runners from around the globe. The arrival of Hagos Gebrhiwet and Loice Chemnung with spectacular times puts the race back in the international spotlight and reminds us that Barcelona is where dreams become reality. Ready to experience it yourself? Download SnapRace, start your training and secure your spot for the next edition.