The Zurich Marató Barcelona takes runners 42.195 km through the streets of Barcelona on a flat, fast, fully urban circuit certified by World Athletics. The organisers rank it among the four fastest marathon courses in the world, behind only Chicago, Berlin and London, and its record field of 32,000 runners comes mostly from abroad.
Registration is first-come, first-served: there is no lottery and no qualifying time. Prices rise in tiers as bibs are taken, so entering early is cheaper. For the official entry and all details, head to the Zurich Marató Barcelona website.
Key dates
- Registration WindowOpen Mar 2027
- Race dayMar 14, 2027
Windows are shown to the month until the organiser confirms them. Subscribers get the exact day, by email, on the morning it opens.
Registration is open right now. Entries for the Barcelona Marathon are open as you read this, and windows like this close with little warning. Set up a BibsAlert and we'll email you before it closes, and again the moment the next registration opens.
How to enter the Barcelona Marathon
Barcelona has one public entry route, with a discount for runners already entered in the city's half marathon.
1. General Registration (First-Come, First-Served)
Register on the official platform, Rockthesport. The basic race entry rises in four price tiers as bibs are taken, from €70 for the first bibs to €100 for the last, with management fees on top. Race Experience and Full Experience packages cost more. The field is capped, and registration closes when the cap is reached or one week before race day, whichever comes first. Runners must be 18 or older on race day.
2. Half Marathon Runner Discount
Runners registered for the Hyundai Mitja Marató Barcelona by Brooks can enter the marathon at a discounted rate on the same platform.
The course
A fully urban circuit through the centre of Barcelona, flat and fast, certified by World Athletics.
- Start: Passeig de Gràcia
- Finish: By the Arc de Triomf
- Distance: 42.195 km
- Start Time: 8:30 AM, in staggered waves by the pace given at registration (wheelchair athletes 8:25 AM)
- Time Limit: 6 hours from when the last runner crosses the start line
The official route map loops through the Eixample past Casa Batlló, La Pedrera and the Sagrada Família, reaches the waterfront at the Monument a Colom, then runs past the Parc de la Ciutadella and Port Olímpic out to the Parc del Fòrum before returning to the finish. The organisers spread 47 entertainment points along the course, and 35 pacers run seven target times, from 2:45 to 4:30.
Why run the Barcelona Marathon?
- A record-friendly course: The organisers rank Barcelona among the four fastest marathon courses in the world.
- Monumental sightseeing: The route passes Casa Batlló, La Pedrera and the Sagrada Família, then follows the seafront.
- Crowd support: 47 entertainment points line the course.
- Pacers for most goals: 35 pacers run seven target times, from 2:45 to 4:30.
- No lottery: Anyone 18 or older can enter while places last.
Missed out?
Spots for the Barcelona Marathon sell out fast. If you missed this year's window, you still have options:
- Charity & partner entries: Many races reserve guaranteed places with charity partners and official tour operators, even after general entry sells out. Check the official website for partners.
- Try a similar race: Check the related races below for races with similar entry types, dates, or locations.
- Be ready next year: Set up a BibsAlert so you don't miss the moment registration opens.
Questions runners ask
Is there a lottery for the Barcelona Marathon?
No. Registration is first-come, first-served. The field is capped, and registration closes when the cap is reached or one week before race day, whichever comes first.
How much does the Barcelona Marathon cost?
The basic race entry rises in four tiers as bibs are taken, from €70 to €100, plus management fees. Race Experience and Full Experience packages cost more.
Can I transfer my entry?
Yes. Use Change of Holder in Manage your registration: the new runner registers and pays, and you are refunded your entry price minus a fee. Changes close a few weeks before race day.
Can I get a refund?
Only if you bought the optional refund guarantee when you registered. It refunds your entry, minus the guarantee and management fees, for any reason until about three weeks before race day. It cannot be added later.
What's the time limit?
6 hours, counted from when the last runner crosses the start line.
Looking ahead
The most recent registration opened in spring, about six weeks after race day, and stays open until the field fills or the week before the race. Since it's first-come, first-served, registering early gets the best price. Set up a BibsAlert to get notified when the next registration opens.