If you’re looking for where to run in Barcelona, you’re in the right spot. Once you’ve powered up after a siesta and fueled up on tapas, it’s time to see why runners love Barcelona.
From its rich history, stunning architecture (oh, hi, Sagrada Familia), and an endless supply of great food, it’s no surprise that Barcelona is one of the most visited cities in Europe. The culture (one that’s pro-nap), museums (we see you, Picasso), and nature are great.
What calls us to the Spanish coast, though, is being able to connect all that with some world-class running.
Today we’re sharing some can’t-miss running events in Barcelona as well as our favorite Barcelona running routes for anytime of the year.
Top 5 Running Routes In Barcelona
Barcelona is a city of hills. From the massive La Sagrada Familia church to the lovely Casa Mila, Barcelona’s topography is anything but flat. The city has a number of great places to run, each with its own unique scenery and atmosphere.
Barcelona Running Route #1: Mount Tibidabo
If you’re looking for a challenge, try running up Mount Tibidabo. This will give you a great workout while also allowing time to explore one of Barcelona’s most famous landmarks: Tibidabo Amusement Park.
Check out a Mount Tibidabo running path on AllTrails here.
Barcelona Running Route #2: Montjuic
It is another challenging route where you can take a run in Barcelona. Depending on your preferences, the route length can range from 7 to 11 km (4.5-7 miles). You can begin your route either from Ramblas or the Place de Catalunya side. In this route, you will be visiting many national parks , the National Museum of Catalunya , Miro Foundation and botanic and Greek Gardens.
Check out a Montjuic route on Great Runs here.
Barcelona Running Route #3: Parc Guell
If you want something scenic and adventurous, then Park Güell is the place for you. Park Güell is only 3.2 km (2 miles) from Plaça de Catalunya and because of architecture, ornaments and the environment it feels like you are running in heaven! On weekends, there are many people running this route which is always nice to see. The best part of Park Güell might just be the views along the way! You have amazing views of most of Barcelona as well as views of the ocean and surrounding mountains.
Check out a number of fun Parc Guell routes here.
Barcelona Running Route #4: Parc de la Ciutadella
The park is easy to access from both the beach side or Place de Catalunya side in less than 10 mins. Starting from The Arc de Triomf, you can follow until the end where the Catalan Parliament is located. The length is about 2.5 km (1.5 Miles).
Check out MyPacer’s routes for running Parc de la Ciutadella here.
Barcelona Running Route #5: La Barceloneta (Barcelona Beach)
You can reach the Barcelona beach by the Parc de La Ciutadella side. From very beginning to the end, the length would be 11.5km (17.2 miles), It can be shortened to 9.5 km (5.9 Miles) by turning around at the Mar Bella sports hall along the north, and you can reduce it to 7.5 km (4.5 Miles) by leaving off the last section to the south after Barceloneta.
For more on running Barcelona beaches, check out Great Runs.
Run Barcelona With A Group
Prefer to run with a group? Enjoy Barcelona on a guided city running tour. Admire iconic highlights, such as La Rambla, the Barcelona Cathedral, the Sagrada Família, and Casa Milà, and work up a sweat at the same time.
Best Barcelona Running Events
Barcelona Marathon
The Barcelona Marathon has been held annually since 1978. The marathon is usually held in March and it is about 42 km (26 Miles). It is officially recognized by the World Athletics Federation as a Silver Label Road Race. With its scenic city routes, Barcelona allows runners to take a good look at the sights of their host city.
The route begins and ends at Plaça d’Espanya, right at where the Montjuic ends, in the Sants-Montjuic district. It passes Camp Nou, a little back to Plaça d’Espanya, past the famous Sagrada La Família, near the beach in the northeast, around the old city, back to the shore and back to Plaça d’Espanya. It has many flatten parts separated by tricky sharp street corners. Even though the route seems flat, when you take a look from the height profile diagram it looks more hilly .
Cursa El Corte Inglés
Cursa El Corte Inglés is the most popular running race in Barcelona! Even though everyone is welcome to join, there are only a limited number of yellow chips, so register as soon as possible!
Cursa El Corte Inglés is probably one the first races for Barcelona runners. The race is one of the biggest running events in Barcelona and there is no participation fee to register! The route is a bit more than 10K, departing from the city center and running up to the Olympic Stadium. It is surely one of the magical running routes where you can experience a vivid city.
Jean Bouin
Jean Bouin is one of the most popular and oldest running races in Barcelona. This race has taken place every year since 1920. This year the race will be on 27th of November 22′. There are two options for runners, you can either register for a 5KM or 10KM race.
Jean Bouin 10K is open to all runners who wish to complete the 10k circuit through Barcelona’s most emblematic streets.
The 5K race is relatively short, and participants will have 40 minutes to complete it. The race starts from Montjuic to Arc de Triomf.
Planning A Run Vacation In Spain
Want to use Barcelona to kickoff a full-on run vacation in Spain? Heading to Spain’s capital and want to give running in Madrid a try?
Or looking for a bigger Spanish run adventure? Browse our favorite Spanish running holidays here.
