Officially known as Zurich Marató de Barcelona, the Barcelona Marathon takes place on 16th March this year. The route runs through Barcelona’s historical city centre and Art Nouveau Eixample District.
Traditionally the starting line is in front of the theatrical backdrop of Montjuïc.The start line of the marathon’s 42,195 km long circular course is Avenida Reina Cristina, the street running between Plaça Espanya and MNAC at the foot of Montjuic. Barcelona marathon starts at 8.30 and a maximum 6 hours is allowed to complete the course.
Participants will enjoy sites such as the Casa Milà, the Casa Batlló and La Seu, Barcelona´s medieval Cathedral. The route is circular and also takes in attractions such as Barça’s stadium the Camp Nou, Passeig de Grácia, the Sagrada Familia and the Hospital de Sant, the Torre Agbar, the Parc de Cuitdadella and Arc de Triomf before returning to the start point to finally approach the starting point via the Gothic District and the world famous Las Ramblas.
With scenery such as this it is no surprise that the participants come from all over the globe to take place, as well of course to enjoy the wonderful city of Barcelona itself.
Temperatures at this time of year are perfect for running. Averages range from are between 13-17 ° C and sunny spring weather is the norm at this time of year, though the heat has not yet begun to soar to its summer heights. Tens of thousands of spectators line the route to cheer on runners.
In 2012 some 15,000 people reached the finishing line. The winners both came from Ethiopia Gezahegn Abera Hunde (2:10:17) among men and Lemelem Berha Yachem, (2:34:38) among women. In 2014 some 18,000 runners are expected to take part.
To reach the marathon start line you can take metro lines 1 or 3 to Plaça Espanya, which is right next to the start line.You can apply for the marathon on the official website of the marathon. The registration fee is €61.50 for first 10,000 registrations, and then €73.00 up to 17,000 and thereafter the cost rises to €84, 00. The final deadline for registrations is March the12th, 2014.
