The streets of Barcelona came alive on Sunday, February 15, 2026, as a record-breaking 36,000 runners from 93 countries surged through the city for the 37th edition of the Barcelona Half Marathon. The event, already a staple in the European road racing calendar, witnessed a flurry of world-class performances, new national records, and a vibrant display of international athleticism. With the sun shining after days of rain and an electrifying atmosphere created by over 20 entertainment points along the route, this year’s race was one for the history books.
At the elite level, the men’s and women’s races delivered world-leading times and unforgettable drama. Ethiopian Hagos Gebrhiwet, the 2016 Olympic 5000m bronze medallist, was on a mission from the gun. He established a strong lead early, passing 5km in a blistering 13:52 and stretching his advantage to 25 seconds by the 10km checkpoint, which he reached in 27:18. By 15km, Gebrhiwet had extended his margin to 52 seconds, running solo and untroubled by the chasing pack. He crossed the finish line in a commanding 58 minutes and 5 seconds, the fastest half marathon performance in the world so far this year, overtaking Geoffrey Kamworor’s world lead of 58:14 set just a day earlier in Ras Al Khaimah.
Gebrhiwet’s performance was not only a personal triumph but also a statement ahead of his marathon debut in London this coming April. “I felt strong from the start and wanted to test myself ahead of the marathon,” Gebrhiwet said after the race, his focus clearly set on future challenges. His time, while not threatening the official world record of 57:30 held by fellow Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha, still marked a significant achievement on a course renowned for its fast times and deep international fields.
Behind Gebrhiwet, Switzerland’s Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu, originally from South Sudan, made waves with his runner-up finish in 59:26. This performance not only moved him to joint third on the European all-time list but also underscored his growing reputation on the international stage. France’s Emmanuel Roudolff rounded out the podium, clocking 59:37 to break the French national record previously set by Morhad Amdouni in 2020. Roudolff’s run placed him sixth on the European all-time list, a testament to the depth of the field and the quality of competition in Barcelona.
Australian Jack Rayner also made headlines, finishing sixth in 59:53 and shaving four seconds off Brett Robinson’s Australian record. The strong British contingent was not to be outdone, with several runners smashing their personal bests. Zak Mahamad finished eighth in 1:00:46, improving on his previous best by nearly a minute. His brother, Mahamed Mahamed, clocked 1:01:09 for 11th place, while Tewelde Menges obliterated his previous best by over two and a half minutes to finish 17th in 1:01:19. Andy Butchart, fresh off a Scottish 10km record in Valencia, finished 21st in 1:01:45, also a personal best.
On the women’s side, Kenya’s Loice Chemnung was the undisputed star of the day. Chemnung, who finished fourth at last year’s Chicago Marathon, stormed to victory in 1:04:01, setting a new course record and moving to sixth on the all-time world list. She broke away from the field early, hitting 5km in 15:20 and 10km in 30:09, building a 42-second lead over her nearest rival by the halfway mark. By 15km, Chemnung’s dominance was clear, and she crossed the line with a beaming smile, having improved her personal best and eclipsed the course record set by compatriot Joyciline Jepkosgei last year.
“It’s the best Half Marathon in the world,” declared Barcelona’s Sports Councillor David Escudé, reflecting the pride and excitement that rippled through the city. Chemnung’s performance was not just a personal milestone but also a historic moment for the event, as she became the fastest woman ever to run the Barcelona course. Her time was nearly two minutes ahead of American Weini Kelati Frezghi, who finished second in 1:06:04. Kelati’s run was itself a record-breaking feat, as she improved her own North American record by five seconds. Ethiopia’s Diniya Kedir Abaraya completed the podium in 1:06:28, passing USA’s Taylor Roe in the closing stages.
The women’s field was deep and competitive, with Samantha Harrison leading the British charge in ninth place (1:09:00). Jess Warner-Judd followed in 11th (1:10:77), Louise Small set a big personal best in 12th (1:10:23), and Jessica Martin finished 14th (1:10:54). The high level of international participation was evident not just at the front but throughout the field, with women making up a record 40% of registered runners and a strong youth presence—35% of participants were under 35 years old.
The festive atmosphere was enhanced by perfect running conditions. After a week of rain, the sun broke through, creating ideal conditions for both elite athletes and recreational runners. The race followed last year’s route, starting on Passeig Picasso at the intersection with Passeig Mercantil, winding through the heart of Barcelona, and finishing on Passeig Pujades at Carrer Nápoles. The city’s commitment to sports and inclusivity was on full display, with Councilor Escudé highlighting the event’s rapid growth—a twentyfold increase in registrations over the past decade.
Yet, the day was not without controversy. The debate over Jacob Kiplimo’s unratified world record from the previous year—where he clocked 56:42 but was denied official recognition due to a pacing advantage from a lead car—continued to spark discussion. “We will fight to change this decision. Barcelona City Council will go all the way. We understand absolutely nothing: neither the delay, nor the result, nor the lack of information, nor the fact that the best time is recognized but not the record,” Escudé stated, voicing the city’s frustration with World Athletics’ ruling. For now, Kiplimo’s mark stands as the fastest ever in Barcelona but not as an official world record, with Kejelcha’s 57:30 remaining the global standard.
As the dust settles on another memorable Barcelona Half Marathon, the city can take pride in hosting one of the world’s premier road races. With world leads, national records, and a record turnout, the 2026 edition has set a new benchmark for future years. The anticipation is already building for next year’s race, as Barcelona continues to cement its status as a global hub for distance running excellence.