Barcelona and La Marató
The Barcelona Marathon isn't just a race; it's a celebration of sport, the city and the community. The spectacular route goes past Barcelona's most iconic landmarks, like the Sagrada Família, the Columbus Monument and the Arc de Triomf, making the event so much more than a sporting challenge. It's an experience that combines passion, effort and the magic of a vibrant, cosmopolitan city. Immerse yourself in a real story through the eyes of its protagonists, enjoy the passion for running and find out every detail about the marathon.
Josep Maria Cheliz:
84 years and 44 Barcelona marathons
Josep Maria Cheliz, 84, has experienced the transformation of Barcelona from marathon to marathon. When he took part in the first, in 1980, running was an unusual hobby. A race in the city was regarded as almost exotic, with the traffic mingling with the few runners advancing intrepidly in the middle of Paral·lel.
Cheliz began running with little more than intuition to guide him, training with friends in some of the city's most iconic spots, such as Collserola and Montjuïc. When he heard about the first Barcelona marathon, he immediately decided to sign up. In those days, the distances for training were measured using a car. The main refreshment was water from the fountains, and the sounds of the city were the runners' only accompaniment.
What was once the loneliness of the long-distance runner, today is a major celebration. La Marató has gone from a little-known event to a crowded festival, with spectators thronging the streets and the city in full support.
Since his first marathon, Josep Maria has run 44 marathons, well over his initial goal of 25, with his motto of “Tireless running” and making it clear that the rhythm of La Marató has set the pace for his life.
Cheliz has seen for himself how La Marató and the city of Barcelona have grown together; how it has gone from a solitary pastime to a multitude, from obscurity to a collective passion; how it has changed the landscape, the people, and the vitality and spirit of athletics.
A lover of Barcelona, Josep Maria recognises that the city has everything: beach, mountains, and a marathon which, 45 years later still makes him feel part of a thrilling event that attracts more spectators every year.
16th March: Marató 2025
Useful information
Ready, set…
go!
Come to the great meeting place for runners: the Fira del Corredor, a place to prepare and rev up the crowds during La Marató, with talks, news, and activities for running enthusiasts.
See moreEverything you need to reach the start line
All the details about the race: how to get to the meeting point, the starting time and the route map, so all you need to concentrate on is enjoying it.
See moreLa Marató from the front row
Find a place to see the race! Come enjoy the show and cheer on the runners from the different supporter areas throughout the route.
See moreRUN BARCELONA