Organizers of the Zurich Marató Barcelona (marathon) will debut with a new, faster, more urban, more central and more monumental course on March 10, 2024. This change in the circuit comes after more than two decades of the previous circular and more peripheral route.
“We have designed this new route with all types of runners in mind, with the help of different profiles that have been actively involved with the Zurich Marató Barcelona in recent years. The objective is very clear: to maintain the essence of the city, to have a fast route to achieve the best times, and at the same time to be very lively for all the citizens and visitors on the day of the Marató. We have put everything in the shaker and, with the technical premises of mobility and many hours invested, we have come up with a great circuit, which we will be able to enjoy next 10th of March”, explains the race director, Mauro Llorens.

In fact, the new route will pass through more than fifteen emblematic spots in Barcelona: from the start line in Passeig de Gràcia to the finish line at the Arc de Triomf, passing through the Monumental, Casa Batlló, Bac de Roda’s Bridge, Sagrada Familia, Ninot Market, University of Barcelona, Sant Antoni Market, Plaça Catalunya, Columbus Monument, Estació de França, Parc de la Ciutadella, Hotel Arts or Parc del Fòrum.
The new course will be flatter and faster, reducing the elevation gain by more than 30 metres compared to the previous circuit. The lowest point will be only eight metres above sea level and the highest point will be 50 metres above sea level. In addition, up to six turns have been reduced compared to the old course. The new circuit will have only 33 turns, making it one of the marathons with the fewest turns in the world. The longest straight will be nearly five kilometres. The new route will be the ninth change of course since the birth of the Barcelona Marathon in 1980. For the first time, the runners will run down Avinguda Paral·lel. The final two kilometres of the old circuit, which were among the most difficult, will now be two of the fastest of the entire course.
A route designed for the participants to enjoy, as well as for those accompanying them. Animation will be one of the strong points of the day, given that the new Zurich Marató Barcelona circuit is very central. It will be possible to get to different points of the circuit just a few minutes of walking, as well as having great connectivity with public transport.