The Barcelona Marathon 2026 (also known as the Zurich Marató Barcelona) will celebrate its 47th edition on Sunday, March 15, 2026. With the main race already sold out and 32,000 bibs sold months before race day, it has become one of Europe’s most popular marathons. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know: an overview of the new city course, start times, how the registration process worked, what’s new this year, and practical tips to help you prepare in advance. We also include a nod to the SnapRace app—an excellent tool for planning your training.
A more central and faster course
This year’s course has been redesigned to showcase the essence of Barcelona while helping runners chase personal bests. Both the start and finish areas will be located on Passeig de Gràcia, one of the city’s most iconic boulevards, and the race will run along wide, mostly flat streets with an estimated total elevation gain of around 178 m. Highlights include the Sagrada Família (km 14), the seaside stretch between km 26 and 30, Torre Glòries, the Parc de la Ciutadella, and the Arc de Triomf. Runners will cover long, straight avenues that make it easier to hold a steady pace, such as Gran Via, Diagonal, and Paral·lel. The new route is not only faster, but also more spectator-friendly thanks to Barcelona’s metro network.
The organizers will provide official pace groups ranging from 2:45 to 4:30 to support runners targeting specific finish times or those who prefer running in a group. The available paces include 2:45, 3:00, 3:15, 3:30, 3:45, 4:00, and 4:30—making the event ideal both for personal-best attempts and for marathon debuts.
Registration and a historic participation record
Registration for the Barcelona Marathon 2026 closed on January 7, 2026—more than two months before race day. According to the organizers, 32,000 bibs were sold, far exceeding the previous cap of 27,000 runners and making this edition the largest in the event’s history. Over 60% of registered runners come from outside Spain, representing more than 100 nationalities, which highlights the marathon’s international appeal.
Bibs sold out in price tiers: the first 1,000 registrations cost €70, bibs up to number 6,000 cost €80, up to bib 16,000 cost €90, and the final bibs were priced at €100.
All participants must pick up their bib and runner’s bag at Expo Sports, located in Hall 7 of Fira Barcelona (Plaza Marqués de Foronda, Sants-Montjuïc). Pickup times are Thursday, March 12 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. A valid ID and the registration confirmation email are required. The expo will also offer medal engraving services, running gear shopping, and the launch of the new HOKA x Zurich Marató Barcelona collection.
HOKA joins as a new main sponsor, with a Gaudí-inspired race shirt
One of the biggest updates for 2026 is the new partnership between the marathon organization and HOKA, which becomes the event’s main sponsor through 2030. This collaboration includes HOKA providing the official technical race shirt and presenting an exclusive collection available at Expo Sports.
The 2026 shirt pays tribute to Antoni Gaudí on the 100th anniversary of his death. Its design blends colors inspired by modernist ceramics with flowing lines that evoke Gaudí’s signature architecture. The result is a shirt that combines tradition and innovation—prioritizing performance while keeping Barcelona’s identity at the core.
Beyond the race shirt, HOKA’s sponsorship includes multiple runner-focused initiatives: start- and finish-line activations, shoe-testing sessions, and community programs that strengthen Barcelona’s running culture. According to the organizers, this agreement will help further professionalize the event and enhance the overall runner experience.
Start times, start corrals, and race rules
The marathon will start on Sunday, March 15 at 8:30 a.m. for most runners, while wheelchair participants will start five minutes earlier (8:25 a.m.). The time limit for completing the 42.195 km distance is 6 hours, with the finish line closing at approximately 2:30 p.m.
The start will be organized into corrals based on verified times in the marathon or half marathon. There will also be a dedicated sub-elite corral with minimum qualifying standards (sub-30 minutes for 10K or sub-2:20 for the men’s marathon, with equivalent times for women). Aid stations will be available every 5 km, along with additional points offering energy gels and fruit. Runners must pass through all checkpoints; missing controls may result in disqualification.
To ensure safety and sustainability, the event will rely on more than 1,000 volunteers, a full medical and civil protection system, and an environmental protocol focused on bottle recycling and donating leftover fruit to food banks. Runners are asked to use the bins located after each aid station and to respect official signage. It is also mandatory to race with the official bib and assigned timing chip; running without a bib or with a modified bib is prohibited.
Tips to enjoy race weekend
- Plan your training early. If you don’t yet have a structured marathon plan, use tools like the SnapRace app to build your preparation. The platform creates workouts tailored to your level and helps you track progress.
- Get familiar with the course. Use the official interactive map to identify tougher segments and the fastest stretches. Running parts of the route in training can help you visualize race day.
- Manage hydration wisely. The marathon provides water and isotonic drinks every 5 km, but carrying your own hydration system can give you more flexibility, especially in slower pace groups.
- Watch the weather. March in Barcelona is usually mild (8–18°C), but humidity can be high. Check the forecast and choose your race outfit accordingly.
- Enjoy the atmosphere. Barcelona spectators are enthusiastic, and the course passes iconic landmarks. Visit Expo Sports in advance and soak up the running festival vibe.
A must-run event for runners worldwide
With a redesigned course, a record number of participants, and the support of a new main sponsor, the Barcelona Marathon 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest highlights on the European running calendar. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply looking to enjoy a sporty and cultural weekend in Catalonia’s capital, this marathon has all the ingredients for an unforgettable experience. Ready for the challenge? Lace up your shoes, plan with SnapRace, and see you at the starting line.