The highly anticipated eDreams Mitja Marató Barcelona by Brooks 2025 will take place on February 16, drawing a record-breaking 30,000 participants. This event has established itself as the most populous half marathon in Spain and the second largest in Europe, following only Berlin. The race is set to start at 8:30 AM from Paseo Picasso and will take runners through some of Barcelona's most emblematic sites like the Arc de Triomf, Passeig de Gràcia, and the majestic Port Olímpic.
The organizers expect traffic disruptions due to road closures and detours affecting various neighborhoods across the city. The course, featuring long straightaways with minimal turns and gradients, is primarily flat, offering optimal conditions for setting personal bests and potentially breaking records.
The race course begins near Parc de la Ciutadella and heads toward the Avinguda Paral·lel, which is predicted to be the most challenging stretch for participants. Following this, runners will navigate five kilometers along Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, Avenida Prim, and Avenida Diagonal, culminating with the final straight on Carrer Pujades.
Preparations for the half marathon will commence on Saturday, February 15 at 8:00 AM with traffic restrictions set around Paseo Picasso, allowing access only to buses and authorized vehicles. Further closures will initiate from 11:00 PM, affecting major thoroughfares as organizers set up the necessary infrastructure.
On the race day itself, complete restrictions will begin at 4:30 AM on Paseo Picasso and adjoining streets, which will remain closed until all activities conclude around 4:00 PM. Continuous traffic modifications will take place from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, targeting the roads integral to the race route, including several major arteries.
The Barcelona public transport will also feel the impact of this massive event, particularly the bus services. The Metropolitan Transport Authority recommends using the metro as the best transportation option on race day, with Arc de Triomf (L1) being the nearest metro station to the starting line. Affected bus lines will include D20, D50, and several others, requiring runners and spectators to plan their journeys accordingly.
This year’s half marathon is set against the backdrop of elite competition. Jacob Kiplimo from Uganda, who has achieved fantastical records including the second fastest time ever recorded over the half marathon distance at 57:31, will be one of the highlights. He will be joined by Joyciline Jepkosgei, renowned for her jaw-dropping performances, including her recent record of 1:04:29, which she aims to surpass this year.
The half marathon boasts 48 top-class athletes with aspirations of not just completing the race but attaining new personal and world records. The race’s organizing committee has branded this year's event under the slogan "Feel The Beat,” reflecting the vibrant atmosphere expected throughout the marathon.
With significant local and international participation, this half marathon promises excitement across Barcelona. Approximately 40% of participants will hail from different countries, making it an international gathering of athleticism.
Jacob Kiplimo's inclusion has raised expectations for breaking the standing world record, which currently stands at 57:30. If successful, this would mark not just personal victory but would etch the 2025 Barcelona Half Marathon even more firmly on the global sporting calendar.
The 35th edition of the eDreams Media Maratón will attract tens of thousands to the streets, each runner carrying the ethos of endurance and resilience. Runners, club members, and spectators will join forces to celebrate this esteemed sporting event. With its rich tradition and support from the city of Barcelona, the half marathon stands out distinctly as a jewel among athletic events and is poised to etch new milestones both on the roads and within records.
Finally, sports enthusiasts and local residents are urged to remain updated on mobility and event progress through official city and transport channels to fully participate, whether as runners or supporters of this remarkable celebration of human spirit and athletic excellence.