The Zurich Marató Barcelona is completely connected to the evolution of its city. Therefore, due to the works in Plaza España and Avenida María Cristina, the Marató will launch a new faster, more urban, more central and monumental route on March 10. A change of circuit after more than twenty editions of the old one, which was circular and more peripheral.
"We have designed this new route thinking about all types of runners, helped by different profiles that have been actively involved with the Zurich Marató Barcelona in recent years. The objective is very clear: not to lose the essence of the city, have a fast route to achieve the best marks, at the same time that it is very animated by all the citizens and visitors on the day of the Marathon. We have put everything in the shaker and, with the technical premises of mobility and many hours invested, it has A great circuit has come out, which we will be able to enjoy next March 10," explains the race director, Mauro Llorens.
For his part, the Councilor for Sports of Barcelona City Council, David Escudé, has declared: "During all these years of history, the Barcelona marathon has had many different routes and each change has always been to improve this great event. Now, After almost two decades with a very similar circuit, a new stage arrives with the Zurich Marató Barcelona 2024, which will be faster, with only 33 curves, more central, starting at Paseo de Gracia and arriving at the Arc de Triomphe, and very monumental".
In fact, the new route will pass through more than fifteen emblematic corners of Barcelona: from the start on Paseo de Gracia to the finish line at the Arc de Triomphe, passing through the Monumental, Casa Batlló, Bac de Roda Bridge, Sagrada Familia , Ninot Market, University of Barcelona, Sant Antoni Market, Plaza Catalunya, Columbus Monument, France Station, Ciudadela Park, Hotel Arts or Forum Park.
The new route will be flatter and faster than ever in the history of this race, reducing the accumulated positive slope compared to the previous circuit by more than 30 meters. The lowest point will be only 8 meters above sea level and the highest 50 meters. In addition, up to six curves have been reduced compared to the old route. The new circuit will have only 33 curves, making it one of the marathons with the fewest curves in the world. The longest straight will be 4.9 kilometers. A new circuit that will mark the ninth change of route since the birth of the Barcelona marathon in 1980. For the first time, the runners will pass along Avenida Paralelo in a descending direction: the last two kilometers of the old circuit, which were one of the most difficult, now they will be two of the fastest of the entire route.
A route designed so that the participants can enjoy it, at the same time that those who accompany them can do so. The entertainment will be one of the strong points of the day, given that the new Zurich Marató Barcelona circuit is very central. You can reach different points of the circuit within a few minutes' walk, in addition to having great connectivity with public transport.
In the context of a new stage, the Zurich Marató Barcelona 2024 has designed four different actions so that everyone can feel integrated into the great festival of Barcelona athletics. The first, designed for both local runners, will be Corre a casa (Run at home). The organization has designed 10 circuits of different distances to run in iconic areas of the city, with the purpose that each runner makes the streets of Barcelona their home: to experience the sensation of running while seeing the Barcelona views from the Carretera de las Aguas, crossing the Diagonal or enjoying the Paseo Marítimo.
The second, which will also serve as the motto of the 45th Zurich Marató Barcelona, will be Make it Yours. The organization will give the opportunity to participate in the Marathon as each runner chooses: either assuming the traditional challenge of 42 km on March 10 or with an innovative format, where participants will have to accumulate 32 km in 7 days prior to the race from anywhere in the world, to add the 42 km running the last 10 kilometers of the official route of the Barcelona marathon.
Furthermore, the great day of Barcelona athletics also wants to enhance the atmosphere surrounding the race and reward the most faithful runners. Therefore, the third proposal is the Marathon Masters, a loyalty program where those who have participated in five, ten, fifteen or twenty editions of the Zurich Marató Barcelona will be recognized starting in 2006, when the Marató changed organizer. and the circuit was established in force until 2023. Everyone who signs up for this program will be part of a Hall of Fame and will have more advantages over the rest of the participants.
Finally, Hot Spots is the fourth initiative, aimed at all entities, clubs, groups or groups that want to have visibility and participate in the Zurich Marató Barcelona party. In the 2024 edition, the quantity and quality of the entertainment points of the new circuit will increase, making them more culturally diverse. Subsequently, through a survey and social networks, the best Hot Spot (animation point) will be chosen and this will be rewarded with a financial contribution.
Likewise, the perspective of this 45th edition is to reach or exceed 17,000 registered people. It should be added that, with still six months to go, the Marató already has more than 4,500 registered.
In addition, On will be the official sponsor (Official Sponsor) of the Zurich Marató Barcelona 2024 in the category of footwear, textiles and sports accessories. Founded in 2010, On was born in the Swiss Alps with a clear objective: Revolutionize the feeling of running. A particular vision around comfortable and efficient shoes with innovative technology that allows you to enjoy running as a sport from a unique experience. Smooth landings, followed by an explosive, dynamic takeoff.
Its product and brand development is decisively positioned around leadership in sustainability and circularity; and its portfolio of professional athletes includes Olympic athletes and World Champions in different disciplines. On is the current fastest growing running brand in the world.
