{"id":1407,"date":"2026-01-19T15:58:56","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T14:58:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/snaprace.app\/blog\/?p=1407"},"modified":"2026-01-19T15:59:02","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T14:59:02","slug":"granollers-half-marathon-2026-recap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snaprace.app\/blog\/en\/granollers-half-marathon-2026-recap\/","title":{"rendered":"Granollers Half Marathon 2026: recap and analysis of the 40th edition in the rain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On 18 January 2026<\/strong> the region of Vall\u00e8s Oriental once again celebrated one of its biggest sporting festivals. The Mitja Marat\u00f3 de Granollers<\/em>, nicknamed by many as the \u201cBehobia of Catalonia\u201d for its festive atmosphere, held its 40th edition<\/strong> with more than 10,000 runners across the half marathon, 10K, 5K and children\u2019s events. Despite the heavy rain that accompanied much of the race, the event delivered drama, personal bests and an exciting Catalan road running championship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

History and evolution of the Granollers Half Marathon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The race was born in 1987<\/strong> with barely a thousand participants. Since then the event organised by the Associaci\u00f3 Esportiva La Mitja<\/a> and the municipalities of Granollers<\/em>, Les Franqueses del Vall\u00e8s<\/em> and La Garriga<\/em> has grown into an international benchmark. Its combination of a demanding course, popular ambience and African elites has made it one of Spain\u2019s most highly regarded half marathons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To celebrate the special 2026 edition, the organisers registered around 9,000 runners in the half marathon<\/strong>, 1,800 athletes<\/strong> in the 10K and 5K events and more than a thousand children in the Mini races. A further 300 walkers<\/strong> took part in the solidarity walk \u201cCamina amb La Mitja\u201d. As a nod to the anniversary, the Spanish lottery agency ONCE issued a commemorative coupon and nine visually impaired athletes completed the course with guides, underlining the inclusive nature of the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The course: from Granollers to La Garriga and back<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The course follows its classic route: starting on Avinguda Sant Esteve<\/strong> in Granollers, passing through Les Franqueses and La Garriga, and returning to the city centre. The first half, uphill, demands pace control to tackle the long gentle climb to La Garriga; the second half, downhill, invites runners to let their legs roll and recover seconds. Despite this year\u2019s rain, spectators stood faithful in each town, cheering under umbrellas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rolling profile<\/strong> and mix of long straights and small inclines require smart effort management. If you want more advice on how to run a fast and crowded half marathon, check out our Barcelona Half Marathon guide<\/a>, where we explain how to control your pace, use pacers and manage energy in 21K races.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Results of the 40th edition: Kemboi and Nega triumph in the rain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the men\u2019s race Kenya\u2019s Esau Kemboi<\/strong> took the win in 1:00:39<\/strong> despite a downpour that never relented. Ugandan Feb Chelegoi<\/strong> crossed the line just seven seconds later, while local favourite Ilias Fifa<\/strong> completed the podium with 1:01:47<\/strong>. This result earned him the Catalan half marathon title<\/strong> for the first time, with a personal best included. Abderrahim El Jaafari and an impressive Xavier Badia joined him on the Catalan podium thanks to their consistency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The women\u2019s event saw Ethiopia\u2019s Beyhelem Nega<\/strong> dominate in 1:10:01<\/strong>, followed by local athlete N\u00faria Gil<\/strong> (1:12:11), who claimed the Catalan title, and Ugandan Angeline Chelimo<\/strong>. Gil, best known for her trail running successes, surprised with her versatility on asphalt. She was joined on the Catalan championship podium by Gisela Carri\u00f3n and Sandra G\u00f3mez.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The weather did not allow for record-breaking times, but it highlighted the toughness and adaptability of both elite and recreational runners. Despite the wind and rain, more than 8,000 finishers<\/strong> crossed the finish line to applause, relishing having completed one of Spain\u2019s most iconic half marathons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facts and curiosities from the 2026 edition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n