weffiomWhat is Zurich Marató Barcelona?
That’s an excellent question, dear reader. Originally known as the Marathon Catalunya, now Barcelona Marathon, was first established in 1978 by Catalan chemist Ramón Oliu, who was inspired by the New York Marathon after taking part in it two years earlier.
Fun fact: The first edition of the race wasn’t even held in Barcelona. Due to permit issues, Ramón Oliu had to relocate the event to Palafrugell, where the marathon made its debut. Initially known as the “Marathon Catalunya,” it wasn’t until two years later that the race actually took place in the Catalan capital.
Over the years, the event underwent several name changes. Eventually, in 2012, it became what we now know as the “Zurich Marató de Barcelona.”
What can I expect from Barcelona Marathon?
First and foremost, beautiful Barcelonian sights! The race itself is ideal for first-time marathon runners, mainly because it’s flat. Unlike other challenging routes, this one has minimal hills, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Even better, you’ll cross the finish line exactly where you started—Avenida de la Reina Maria Cristina. As you navigate the course, you’ll pass through Plaça Espanya and Plaça Catalunya, run beneath the Arc de Triomf, and take in the stunning Barcelona beachfront.
Moreover, some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Sagrada Família, Casa Batlló, and Camp Nou, will be part of your journey. All the while, an enthusiastic crowd will cheer you on, fueling your motivation to reach the finish line.
To keep you energized along the way, refreshment stands will be available every 5 kilometers, offering water, isotonic drinks, Vaseline, fruit, and sponges.
Who should I, a first-time marathon runner, be inspired by?
I am so glad you asked this.
For Oliwka, sports have been a part of life since childhood.
“My dad inspired and encouraged me […] Like every kid, I wanted to make him proud,” she shares.
Her father, an athlete himself, has competed in both marathons and bodybuilding competitions, fostering a strong athletic spirit in their household—especially in their home gym.
As a result, that early inspiration soon turned into action. Oliwka began entering races, steadily pushing her limits.
“I’ve already run 5 km, 8 km with obstacles, 10 km, and even a half marathon,” she says.
Now, however, she is preparing for her biggest challenge yet: her first full marathon.
Erasmus in Barcelona was the push she needed to finally take on the challenge.
“Coming here and seeing that we have an event here in Barcelona, it also was my dream to do [a marathon] before, like dying so it was perfect to train in sunny Barcelona,” she shared.
Thanks to Barcelona’s warm weather and scenic routes, she has had the perfect conditions to train, following a structured plan designed by her father. Currently, Oliwka runs four to five times a week, varying her distances, though she has yet to cover the full 42.2 kilometers.
With just two weeks until Barcelona Marathon day on March 16, she is preparing to run her longest distance yet—30 kilometers.
At this stage of training, it is common practice not to run the full 42.2 km before race day. Most training plans cap long runs at around 30-35 km to build endurance while minimizing the risk of injury and overtraining.
The strategy is simple: if a runner can comfortably complete 30+ km, their body and mind will be able to push through the final stretch on race day—fueled by adrenaline, crowd energy, and proper pacing. On the other hand, running the full distance in training can lead to excessive fatigue, a higher risk of injury, and a longer recovery period, which could negatively impact race performance.
With her longest run just ahead, Oliwka is ready to take on the challenge—one step at a time.
For her, crossing the finish line is the ultimate goal.
“My main goal is to finish—not everyone can. It’s a lot, and it all depends on my adrenaline. I don’t care about the time,” she says.
The Mental Challenge of Barcelona Marathon
Running a in Barcelona Marathon is just as much a mental challenge as a physical one. While training builds endurance, it’s mental resilience that helps runners push through fatigue, self-doubt, and the infamous ‘wall.’
Check out this video on mental toughness in marathons.
Even the most focused and well-prepared runners aren’t immune to race-day nerves. Oliwka admits that her biggest fear isn’t physical exhaustion but her own mindset.
“Of course, I think about injuries—it’s a long distance. But more than that, I’m worried about my mind, that at some point I’ll stop, and my brain will tell me, ‘That’s enough.’ That’s what scares me the most,” she shares.
With weeks of training behind her and the marathon fast approaching, the battle ahead will be as much about mental strength as physical endurance.
Conclusion
The Barcelona Marathon stands as a symbol of both personal and collective achievement. For many participants,including those like Oliwka, the marathon represents much more than just completing a race. In reality, it embodies years of hard work, discipline, and overcoming self-doubt. Thus, the journey toward the finish line becomes an emotional and physical testament to the power of persistence, resilience, and determination.
For first-time marathoners, crossing the finish line is not just about the distance covered, but about proving to themselves that they are capable of much more than they initially believed. More importantly, it’s about learning to overcome mental barriers, enduring through pain, and having the courage to keep going—even when every muscle aches and the mind begins to question your limits.
Meanwhile, for seasoned runners, each marathon holds the promise of personal growth and self-discovery, with new lessons learned from every race.
If you’ve ever considered running a marathon or participating in an endurance event, perhaps this is your sign to take the plunge. The road to the finish line is long and challenging, but at the same time, it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have.
The Barcelona Marathon, and others like it, offer a chance to test your limits, celebrate your progress, and be part of something bigger than yourself. So whether you’re running for personal achievement, charity, or simply the thrill of the challenge, the marathon is a powerful opportunity to push beyond your boundaries and truly see what you’re made of.
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