Barcelona hosts this Sunday, March 15, 2026, a new edition of the Zurich Barcelona Marathon, one of the great European long-distance races that this year will bring together 32,000 runners from more than 100 countries.
The race will start at 08:30 hours and will cover some of the city's main thoroughfares during the 42.195 kilometers of the circuit, which will imply traffic cuts and mobility restrictions during a large part of the morning.
The City Council recommends avoiding car travel in the areas of the route and using public transport.
Schedule of the Barcelona Marathon 2026
The main program of the race is the following:
- Departure: 08:30 hours
- Departure location: Passeig de Gràcia
- Distance: 42.195 kilometers
- Arrival: Arc de Triomf area
- Maximum race time: approximately 6 hours
The first runners are expected to cross the finish line shortly after 10:30 a.m., while the bulk of participants will do so between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Route of the Barcelona Marathon
The circuit runs through some of the city's main axes and emblematic areas such as:
- Promenade of Gràcia
- Great Way of the Catalan Courts
- Diagonal Avenue
- Aragon Street
- Catalonia Square
- Holy Family
- Arch of Triumph
The current route is faster and more linear than in previous years, with a reduced elevation gain and long straights that favor good times.
Closed streets and traffic restrictions
The marathon celebration will involve progressive traffic cuts from early morning in numerous streets of the center and of the coast of Barcelona.
Among the main affected routes are:
- Promenade of Gràcia
- Great Way
- Diagonal Avenue
- Aragon Street
- Promenade of Saint John
- Ring Road of Saint Peter
- area of the Arch of Triumph
The restrictions will begin approximately between 06:00 and 07:00 hours and will be progressively lifted as the race passes.
The City Council has warned that some areas may remain partially isolated for several hours.
A marathon among the largest in Europe
The Zurich Marathon Barcelona has consolidated itself in recent years as one of the great events on the European calendar.
With 32,000 registered, the event already ranks among the five largest on the continent, only behind major events like London, Berlin, Paris or Valencia.
Furthermore, the 2026 edition will also be the Spanish Marathon Championship, which increases the competitive level of the event.