This Sunday, 20,000 runners will set off on the new 2024 Zurich Barcelona Marathon route, one that takes in more of the city’s monuments, as well as being more central, flatter and faster, with just 33 turns.

This participation figure is the third best in the history of the Barcelona marathon, the best so far this decade, and higher than in the last five editions – in fact coming close to the record achieved in 2016, when 20,385 race bibs were sold.

What’s more, this year 57% of those taking part are from other countries, which represents a new record for international participation in Barcelona’s big running event: 107 different nationalities. And once again in 2024, the Zurich Barcelona Marathon is one of those with the highest number of female runners. One in four participants will be women (25%), and there will also be 6,693 Catalan runners.

With a well-established reputation as one of the fastest marathons in Spain and in Europe, elite athletes will gather hoping to break existing records on the new route.

The names Zeineba Yimer Worku and Marius Kimutai stand out as points of reference when it comes to speed in the marathon world. Achieving impressive times, they’ve grabbed the attention of the world of athletics, and now a new generation of elite athletes are trying their best to be even better.

In the men’s race, Marius Kimutai from Bahrain will be back to defend his title and the record he set last year. With a new route that promises to be faster, Kimutai is preparing to take on his rivals.

In the women’s race, competition promises to be fierce. Ethiopia’s Degitu Azimeraw is the favourite to beat the record set by her compatriot. The likes of Zinas Senbeta and Aurelia Kiptui, who’ve taken part in other prestigious marathons, are key rivals.

The new route holds the promise for faster times and a host of elite athletes determined to make their mark.

There’s more on offer this weekend than just the massive buzz of the 2024 Barcelona Zurich Marathon.  The latest edition of The Breakfast Run, the most festive and fun race on the calendar, will be taking place at 9.30 am on Saturday 9 March, the day before the Barcelona marathon. A four-kilometre route around the streets of Barcelona, with a great atmosphere and lots of energy.

With a newly revised route, record levels of international participation and a continued commitment to gender equality, the 2024 Zurich Barcelona Marathon promises to be an unparalleled celebration of the sport of running, consolidating its position as one of the most important and attractive marathons on the world calendar.