Cursa de la Mercè 2026

The Cursa de la Mercè Bimbo Global Race is Barcelona’s 10K, held as part of the La Mercè festivities. It begins on Carrer Aragó at Pau Claris and concludes in Plaça Catalunya, connecting the race directly to the city centre rather than a park or out-of-town route. The programme also features an inclusive 2K for individuals with functional diversity and a non-competitive family mile, broadening the event beyond a standard road race. The current route is more open and circular than previously, remains central, and passes near the sea. Participation is substantial for a local festival race, with over 14,000 runners and walkers, and female participation has reached a record 37%. The competitive end is also fast: recent course records were set by Jimmy Whelan of Australia and Douae Ouboukir of Morocco. Registration proceeds support Alzheimer Catalunya Fundació, and runners collect race materials at Pavelló Itàlia near Fira de Barcelona and the Montjuïc fountains.