The favorites of the Zurich Marathon of Barcelona swirl around giant red letters with the motto BCN 42. In the background the Venetian Towers of Plaza Espanya. It is the only thing in which the Barcelona marathon of 2024 will be similar to the previous ones, in this classic image with the potential winners. In the others, a revolution as far as the circuit is concerned. Diametrically different, with less positive slope, with fewer curves, in theory faster and starting at Passeig de Gràcia and ending at the Arc del Triomf. On the asphalt 20,000 dreams following a blue line. But only a handful of them are opting for victory this Sunday (8:30 a.m.). The organization's objective is clear, to break the records of a marathon in Barcelona. “I think that in men we will achieve 2h04m and with a little luck until 2h03, if there is not much wind, and in women the mark can also be lowered,” reasons Mauro Llorens, race director.
In women, the current Barcelona record belongs to the Ethiopian Zeneiba Yimer, with the time of 2h19m44s achieved in 2023. To beat her, the main favorite is the also Ethiopian Degitu Azimeraw. “That is the objective for which I came here, to win and make the best record ever in Barcelona,” the athlete whispers, between smiles, to 'La Vanguardia', accompanied by her manager and an interpreter. She has taken the elevator down to the lobby of the hotel where she is staying and is wearing the tracksuit of the prestigious NN Running team, the same as Eliud Kipchoge's. She comes with good credentials. She was second in London in 2021, where she achieved a personal best (2h17m58s). “Without a doubt that was the marathon of my life. I hope to get close to that performance on Sunday,” says Azimeraw, 25. It will be her first time in Barcelona. “They have spoken to me very well about the city and also about the circuit and I am looking forward to exploring its streets. Without a doubt, sharing the race with 20,000 people will create a good atmosphere and that motivates even more,” says the Ethiopian, whose mirror in which to look at herself is Tigst Assefa, the current world record holder.
In men, the main favorite is the Ethiopian Abebe Negewo, 39 years old, and fourth in Valencia in 2019, with a personal best of 2h4m51s. The Barcelona record is 2h5m6s, achieved last year by Marius Kimutai. Among the forty contracted elite athletes, a purse of around 505,000 euros will be shared.
