The Zurich Marató Barcelona is a city marathon held in Barcelona each March. It is a road race designed for speed, featuring a flat urban course with long straight sections. The course records are 2:04:13 for men and 2:10:53 for women. Participants travel from around the world annually, and the course remains central enough for spectators to follow the race via metro and see runners at multiple points.
The route incorporates Barcelona beyond just a backdrop. It proceeds east along the promenade, runs alongside the coast from approximately km 26 to km 30, and heads north toward Torre Glories before concluding under the Arc de Triomf. The coastal section is flat but exposed and lacks shade, potentially making it feel more challenging than its elevation suggests. Spectators can realistically view runners at approximately km 3, km 6, km 15, km 28, km 30, km 32, km 38, and the finish, offering a practical and engaging experience for both supporters and participants.