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Barcelona is an ideal city for runners, offering a wide variety of routes by the sea, through scenic hills and across beautiful green parks. Whether you’re looking for a flat route, a leisurely jog or an official race to beat your personal best, the Catalan capital has everything you need. Keep reading to discover the best places to run in Barcelona and some exciting races to motivate your next stay.

Barcelona is full of places to run in complete tranquillity while pushing yourself to your limit in perfect surroundings.

Parc de la Ciutadella

If you’re looking for a peaceful, flat path, head to Parc de la Ciutadella. Located right in the heart of Barcelona, the city’s stunning green oasis is a must for runners. Its wide, shady paths, serene lake, and peaceful atmosphere make it the perfect place for a morning jog or a gentle training session.

Barceloneta seafront 

Prefer a coastal run? The Barceloneta seafront offers one of the most scenic routes in Barcelona. Starting from Vila Olímpica, you can run along the Mediterranean coastline towards the Forum, with breathtaking sea views and a relaxed atmosphere. This flat path is perfect for runners of all levels looking for a refreshing workout.

Montjuïc

Barcelona’s iconic Montjuic hill is perfect for those looking for a bit of an elevation change. As you wind your way past Montjuïc Castle, lush gardens, and Olympic landmarks, you will be treated to panoramic views of the city. This route is better suited for intermediate or advanced runners looking to test their endurance.

Avinguda Diagonal

If you prefer an urban setting, Avinguda Diagonal stretches nearly 10 kilometres across the city. Its wide pavements and straight layout make it ideal for tempo runs, allowing you to maintain a steady rhythm while taking in Barcelona’s bustling streets.

Parc Güell

For a unique running session, head to Parc Güell ! This emblematic site, designed by Gaudí, is not only an architectural masterpiece, but it’s also great terrain for a run that includes both uphill and downhill sections. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit early in the morning for a peaceful run amidst the mosaics. This route is perfect for intermediate runners seeking a scenic challenge.

Parc del Guinardó 

Looking for a more rural route? Parc del Guinardó is a lesser-known gem offering natural trails and stunning views over the city. Its steep paths make it an excellent option for trail runners or anyone seeking a tougher workout away from the vibrant city.

Carretera de les Aigües

This trail in the Tibidabo mountains is one of the best places to run while admiring incredible views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. Easily accessible by public transport, it stretches for several kilometres and is ideal for long runs and trail running.

What’s more, Barcelona is a city full of sporting events that are open to all. Several races are organised throughout the year, with different options to suit all preferences, so you’re sure to find the one that’s right for you!

Barcelona Marathon (Zurich Marathon)

This is one of the most popular marathons in Europe, attracting thousands of international runners every year. The course crosses the city’s main avenues, including tourist attractions such as the Sagrada Familia, Parc de la Ciutadella and Barcelona’s beaches. With its festive atmosphere and mild climate, it’s perfect for those looking to achieve a personal best.

eDreams Barcelona Half Marathon

This half-marathon is one of the fastest in the world, attracting many elite and amateur runners. The world record was even broken on this course in 2025! The course starts at the Arc de Triomf and passes through some of the city’s most emblematic landmarks. The event is perfect for those who want to set a fast time while taking in the sights of Barcelona.

Cursa dels Bombers

If you’re after a lively and inclusive event, the Cursa dels Bombers pays tribute to Barcelona’s firefighters. This friendly 10 km race welcomes runners of all levels, with an incredible atmosphere and routes through some of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

Cursa El Corte Inglés

One of the city’s most traditional races, the Cursa El Corte Inglés, attracts over 40,000 participants yearly. This popular 10 km route allows you to explore Barcelona’s historic streets, which are open to runners of all abilities.

The Cursa de la Dona

Celebrating International Women’s Day, this 5 km race brings together thousands of women in a celebration of solidarity and empowerment. The route passes through iconic districts and is also open to runners of all fitness levels.

For a more adventurous experience, try fun runs like The Colour Run — where participants are covered with coloured powder — or Electro Dash, a night race that combines running with electronic music and dazzling light shows.

Whether you’re a casual runner or an athlete looking for a challenge, Barcelona offers a multitude of roads and competitions to train and enjoy the city’s stunning surroundings. So get your trainers on and set off to discover these incredible routes!