Barcelona's half marathon sold out 40,000 places in just one week

Forty thousand race numbers, gone in about a week. Barcelona's running boom is not slowing down, and the latest figures prove it.

What happened?

The Hyundai Mitja Marató de Barcelona by Brooks (the city's half marathon) sold out all 40,000 bibs for its 2027 edition in just a week. It takes place on 14 February.

The Zurich Marató de Barcelona, the full marathon, has set a new record of 37,000 participants. A decade ago, passing 20,000 runners was already a milestone. Both races now rank among the biggest in Europe by participation.

They also come one month apart: the half on 14 February, the marathon on 14 March. That lets runners debut over a distance, chase a personal best, or use the half as a test run for the full 42.195 kilometres.

If you've been following this story, it's a continuation: the 2025 marathon already set a participation record, and the 2026 half marathon also sold out with tens of thousands of runners.

Why is everyone talking about it? 🏃

Partly, it's the course. Barcelona's routes are flat and fast, the weather is mild, and the races pass some of the city's best-known sights. Top international athletes come for quick times, and the city has hosted big marks in elite athletics.

But the atmosphere matters just as much. Music, cheering groups and crowds along the route turn the races into a city-wide party. Plenty of people run for the clock. Even more run for the fun of it.

Then there's travel. In the last Zurich Marató edition, close to two in three participants came from abroad. A fast race, good food, sunshine and the chance to extend your stay make for an easy weekend plan.

And you can train there all year. The seafront promenade and beaches suit runs beside the sea. Montjuïc offers hills, the Carretera de les Aigües gives you a dirt track with great views, and the Ciutadella, the Diagonal and the Fòrum round out the options.

What's next?

Next up is the 2027 season: the half on 14 February, the marathon on 14 March. With the half already full, the marathon is the one to watch.

If you're tempted, check the official websites of both races for all the details.