The 2025 Barcelona Marathon on March 16 was not only another showcase of endurance and athleticism but also witnessed history as Tesfaye Deriba Ketema from Ethiopia and Kenya's Sharon Chelimo set new course records. The event, attracting about 27,000 runners with 60% of them hailing from foreign countries, saw thrilling performances garnering widespread attention.
Commencing at 8:30 AM on the picturesque streets of Barcelona, the marathon embarked from the iconic Passeig de Gràcia and concluded at the Arc de Triomf, traversing key landmarks like the Sagrada Família. The conditions of the race were quite favorable, with cool temperatures and no rain, contributing to high-level performances among the athletes.
Deriba, running his first major marathon, did not disappoint, finishing with a remarkable time of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 13 seconds. This achievement not only secured him the title of champion but also allowed him to slice one minute off the previous record held by Tadesse Abraham. His victory marked a monumental moment as he captured his first major marathon title, demonstrating his exceptional talent after specializing mainly in shorter distances like the 3,000-meter hurdles and 5,000 meters before transitioning to long-distance events. Deriba reflected on his achievement, saying, "I was optimistic, but I didn't expect to have such time; I'm very happy," illustrating his surprise and joy at the outcome.
Following closely behind was Cornelius Kibet, finishing second at 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 54 seconds, and Enock Onchar, who secured third place with a time of 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 20 seconds. Both competitors not only showcased their skills but also eclipsed last year's benchmark, highlighting the elite nature of this year's race.
On the women's side, Sharon Chelimo shone brightly, clocking her impressive time of 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 33 seconds, which not only awarded her the victory but also set the new women's record for the Barcelona Marathon. Her determined pacing, aided by her pacemaker from kilometer 35 of the race, played a pivotal role in her success, as she made significant strides to break through with energy during the latter part of the marathon. This victory offered Chelimo relief as she noted, "I wanted to beat the personal best, but I didn't expect to be able to beat the race record. I'm very happy."
Second place went to Yebrugal Melese Arage from Ethiopia, who completed the race at 2 hours, 20 minutes, and 47 seconds, followed closely by Kenyan athlete Linet Masai, finishing at 2 hours, 21 minutes, and 1 second. Both runners demonstrated the fierce competition characterizing this prestigious marathon.
This year's Barcelona Marathon not only highlighted extraordinary athletic performances but also transformed the city with its vibrant atmosphere. The marathon attracted large crowds of spectators, including notable figures such as Salvador Illa, the President of the Generalitat, exemplifying widespread support for such community events. The local participation and international engagement also added significant value as various segments of society joined to celebrate this annual tradition.
While the athletes pushed their limits, the marathon's requirement for road closures and public transport alterations was communicated, detailing significant disruptions across Barcelona's roadways. Residents and visitors were urged to plan their travel accordingly, especially as several bus lines had to alter their routes or schedules from 6:30 AM until 3:00 PM on race day, affecting local transportation significantly.
This edition of the Barcelona Marathon marks another step forward as the city continues to improve its course to accommodate faster running, attracting top-tier athletes globally. Organizers have emphasized the commitment to maintaining this momentum for future marathons, with hopes to sustain and even expand the event's reputation within the marathon community worldwide.
With the spirit of competition embraced by the community and the achievements celebrated by athletes like Tesfaye Deriba and Sharon Chelimo, the Barcelona Marathon 2025 was undoubtedly an unforgettable occasion, setting the bar high for future races. The atmosphere, the achievements, and the shared camaraderie among runners and spectators alike assure the marathon will continue its legacy as one of the city’s cherished traditions.