Barcelona, Spain 15.03.2026
Source: https://www.zurichmaratobarcelona.es/en/
The Zurich Marató de Barcelona 2026 is scheduled for this coming Sunday, March 15, 2026. This 47th edition is set to be a historic one, with a record-breaking 32,000 registered runners, making it the most attended edition in the race’s history.
The Zurich Marató de Barcelona 2026 was held on Sunday, March 15, 2026. While the official final rankings are still being processed through the timing systems for the thousands of participants, the elite podium finishers are as follows:
Ethiopian athlete Tesfaye Deriba Ketema took the top spot, notably setting a new course record.
| Rank | Name | Nationality | Time |
| 1st | Tesfaye Deriba Ketema | Ethiopia | 2:04:13 |
| 2nd | Cornelius Kibet Kiplagat | Kenya | 2:04:54 |
| 3rd | Enock Onchari | Kenya | 2:05:20 |
Women’s Podium
Kenyan Sharon Chelimo Arusho dominated the women’s race, also shattering the previous course record by several seconds.
| Rank | Name | Nationality | Time |
| 1st | Sharon Chelimo Arusho | Kenya | 2:19:33 |
| 2nd | Yebrgual Melese Arage | Ethiopia | 2:20:47 |
| 3rd | Linet Masai | Kenya | 2:21:01 |
Highlights
🏆 Zurich Marató de Barcelona record 🏃🏃♀️
- Course Records: Both the men’s and women’s winners set new all-time bests for the Barcelona circuit today.
The program spans three days, from the opening of the runner’s expo to the main event.
The Main Event: Sunday, March 15
The race features a fast, central, and scenic urban circuit.
- 07:00 – 16:00: Cloakroom service open at Passeig de Lluís Companys.
- 08:25: Start of the Wheelchair category.
- 08:30:General Start of the Zurich Marató de Barcelona.
- Location: Passeig de Gràcia (near Plaça de Catalunya).
- Format: Waves organized by color-coded corrals based on expected finish times.
- 15:00: Official race closure (6-hour time limit).
- Finish Line: Arc de Triomf (Passeig de Lluís Companys).
Pre-Race Schedule
The days leading up to the race are filled with logistics and community events:
1. Expo Sports (Bib Collection) All runners must collect their bibs and race packs here, as no bibs are handed out on race day.
- Dates: * Thursday, March 12: 15:00 – 20:00
- Friday, March 13: 09:00 – 20:00
- Saturday, March 14: 09:00 – 20:00
- Location: Fira de Barcelona, Pavilion 7 (Montjuïc).
2. The Breakfast Run (Saturday, March 14) A traditional warm-up event that commemorates the final kilometers of the 1992 Olympic Marathon.
- Time: 09:00 AM.
- Distance: Approx. 4 km.
- Location: Usually finishes at the Olympic Stadium.
Runner Support & Logistics
- Refreshment Stations: Located every 5 km along the route, providing water, isotonic drinks, and fruit.
- Pacesetters (Liebres): 35 experienced pacers will lead groups for 7 different target times: 2:45h, 3:00h, 3:15h, 3:30h, 3:45h, 4:00h, and 4:30h.
- Medical Services: Fixed stations at the start, finish, and along the route, operational from 07:00 to 16:00.
Important Notes for Spectators
The 2026 route is more central than previous years. Key viewing spots include the Sagrada Família (km 14), Casa Batlló (near the start/km 38), and the grand finish at the Arc de Triomf.
The Zurich Marató de Barcelona has evolved from a small regional race into one of the most prestigious marathons in Europe. Its history is a blend of Olympic legacy, architectural beauty, and a recent, massive surge in global popularity.
The Early Years: From Palafrugell to Barcelona (1978–1980)
The race didn’t actually start in Barcelona.
- 1978: The inaugural event, then called the Marató de Catalunya, was held in the coastal town of Palafrugell. It was the first “popular” marathon in Spain, attracting 185 runners.
- 1980: After two editions in Palafrugell, the race moved to the streets of Barcelona. This shift was instrumental in popularizing long-distance running in the city and served as an early catalyst for the city’s Olympic ambitions.
Key Milestones and Evolution
The marathon has seen several distinct phases, often mirroring the city’s own transformation:
| Period | Key Developments |
| 1992 | The Olympic Impact: The 1992 Barcelona Olympics brought worldwide attention to the city. The marathon route was adjusted to reflect parts of the Olympic course, finishing at the iconic Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. |
| 2005 | The Hiatus: The marathon faced a brief crisis and was suspended in 2005 due to organizational issues. This led to the creation of the “Marató a Barcelona Platform” to ensure its return. |
| 2006–Present | Modern Growth: The race returned in 2006 with a circular urban route. It eventually secured Zurich as a title sponsor and earned the World Athletics Gold Label status. |
| 2024 | The “New” Course: For the first time in 20 years, the route was significantly redesigned to be flatter, faster, and more central, finishing at the Arc de Triomf instead of Plaça d’Espanya. |
Course Records & Participation
In recent years, the race has become a hunting ground for fast times. As of March 2026:
- Men’s Record: 2:04:13 (Tesfaye Deriba, 2025).
- Women’s Record: 2:19:33 (Degitu Azimeraw, 2024).
The event’s growth has been explosive. While the 1980 race had fewer than 1,000 participants, the 2026 edition set a historical record with 32,000 registered runners, selling out months in advance. Today, over 60% of the participants are international, cementing its status as a global destination race.
Why It’s Unique
The marathon is essentially a 42.195 km sightseeing tour of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces. Runners pass the Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and Torre Glòries, making it as much a cultural experience as a physical one.
Fun Fact: In the 1980 edition, the registration fee was a mere 300 pesetas (less than €2). Today, it is part of the “Big Five” European marathons alongside London, Berlin, Paris, and Valencia.
