Seville is preparing to host the 40th edition of the Zurich Marathon, one of the premier sporting events on the global calendar, which takes place on February 23, 2025. This year's marathon is set to be historic, featuring 14,000 registered runners, breaking participation records with race slots sold out six months prior.
The marathon has established itself as a favorite among elite athletes, thanks to its flat and fast course, ideal weather conditions ranging from 7 to 18 degrees Celsius, and expert organization. Competitors will navigate through the beautiful streets of Seville, passing iconic landmarks such as the Torre del Oro, La Giralda, and Plaza de España.
This year marks the first appearance of Selemon Barega, the Olympic champion of the 10,000 meters, who aims to compete at the marathon distance. He is joined by other elite athletes, including Eritreans Okubay Tsegay, Goitom Kifle, and Ghirmay Ghebreslassie, all of whom boast impressive personal records. Together, they will vie for victory against established contenders on this historic occasion.
With the marathon scheduled to kick off at 8:30 AM (CET), it is projected to attract over 150,000 spectators along the course. Participants will have six hours to complete the full distance of 42.195 km, with the finish line remaining open until 2:30 PM (CET).
Although preparations are underway, the extensive road closures and public transport modifications create challenges for the city's mobility. The Ayuntamiento de Sevilla has issued advisories for residents and visitors to plan their travels accordingly, particularly avoiding congested areas around the marathon route.
The city's traffic disruptions will begin as early as Saturday evening, with streets such as Paseo de las Delicias, Glorieta de los Marineros, and Avenida de la Borbolla facing closures from 6:30 AM on race day. This comprehensive traffic management aims to secure the safety of participants and spectators.
The marathon will also feature live coverage by more than 300 television channels, promising to reach upwards of 350 million households globally. This includes streaming services offering commentary in both Spanish and English, ensuring wide accessibility for fans worldwide.
Emphasizing the event's importance, the 40th Zurich Marathon showcases not only elite participation but also efforts to increase inclusivity, including the engagement of numerous amateur runners and the introduction of special categories for athletes with disabilities.
State-of-the-art arrangements have also been made to facilitate ample hydration stations and spectator zones along the route. There will be 16 aid stations positioned at strategic points, accompanied by 25 entertainment areas to energize the runners.
For those unable to attend this grand spectacle, live broadcasts will be available on platforms such as Teledeporte, Canal Sur, Dazn, Eurosport, and ETB. Broadcasting giant ABC of Seville is serving as the official media outlet for the marathon, providing real-time updates and highlights.
With Seville solidifying its status as one of the world's top marathon destinations, the 2025 edition promises to celebrate both the storied past and the exciting future of marathon running.
The marathon’s planners expect competitive performances on this flat course, which has historically yielded impressive times, including several national records. Athletes and fans alike are eagerly anticipating thrilling moments and potential surprises as the race progresses.
Without question, the Zurich Marathon of Seville 2025 is set to be more than just a classic marathon; it is poised to be a celebration of athleticism, community, and the beautiful city of Seville.