The best popular races in Barcelona

Barcelona has a lot of different races throughout the year. Wherever you go, especially after the burning sun goes down, you will see runners from all over the world training in all of the different areas in this amazing city.

Running is definitely the most popular form of training in Barcelona. For residents, but also for those who are here visiting. Participating in one of the races that are organized during the year, is a great way to see the city!

Going abroad to participate in a race is definitely a challenge, considering that it's much harder to stick with your training and daily diet when you're out of your usual environment. Not being able to go to your regular gym, or prepare your own food at home easily leads to skipping diets, and skipping the workout. In our apartments in Barcelona you have full access to a private kitchen, and it is therefore much easier to prepare your own food. There are several grocery stores near our apartment where you can find healthy food, to prepare in the apartment.

The best popular races in Barcelona

Barcelona's popular race circuit has made the city a reference point in the world of running, placing it among the top three.

Some of the best known popular races are:

Cursa de Sant Antoni

A new edition of the Cursa Moritz Sant Antoni (number 42) was held on January 19th. The course, held in the Sant Antoni district, runs through several streets in Barcelona's Eixample district. A good option is to stay at our MH Center, apartments in the Eixample district near the Sant Antoni neighbourhood.

Barcelona Marathon

The 42nd edition of the Barcelona Marathon will be held on 25 October 2020. It is one of the most attractive marathons in Europe due to both its weather and its route, which is fully urban and runs through different tourist spots of interest for the runner.

Cursa de la Mercè

As its name indicates, the Cursa de la Mercè began to be held in 1979, promoted by the first democratic city council with the aim of stimulating popular sport, being the second oldest of the 66 popular races held in Barcelona. Last year's edition counted on the participation of more than 12,000 runners.

Cursa de la Dona

La Cursa de la Dona de Barcelona is part of the set of races of the Women's Race, the biggest women's sports event in Europe (eight cities). The "Pink Tide" of the last edition counted on a record of participation, with more than 36000 participants who took the start with a mission: the promotion of the sports practice amongst women, the solidarity and the fight against breast cancer and against gender violence.

Jean Bouin

With 96 editions behind it, the Jean Bouin is the most veteran athletics competition in Spain (apart from the Official Catalan and Spanish Track and Cross Country Championships). A race that takes place at the end of November and, like all popular races in the city, attracts a large number of runners.

Cursa dels Bombers

With 96 editions behind it, the Jean Bouin is the most veteran athletics competition in Spain (apart from the Official Catalan and Spanish Track and Cross Country Championships). A race that takes place at the end of November and, like all popular races in the city, attracts a large number of runners.

Cursa dels Nassos - Sant Silvestre Barcelona

As its website says, the Cursa dels Nassos is the "last sprint" of the year, as it is held on the afternoon of December 31st in a festive atmosphere "before New Year's Eve. Many of the runners even run in costume or with their Santa Claus hat on.

Barcelona is a great place to run. Depending on how far you want to go and how trained you are, we can recommend you various routes, to train and prepare for a race in Barcelona. The easiest is to run around the neighborhood of Barceloneta, the intermediate would be a round at Montjuïc , and if you are in great shape, we recommend you get to Tibidabo, and go running from there.