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Apr 27, 2024

Marathon Catalunya - Barcelona Runner Comments

Back to Marathon Catalunya - Barcelona Information & Reviews

Course 4.5

Organization 4.4

Spectators 3.9

Number of comments: 86 [displaying comments 41 to 51]

More Comments: [ < 1 3 4 5 6 7 9 > ]

Murray Ross from San Francisco area, California (3/18/2008) "Why would you run anywhere else?" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Marathon Catalunya - Barcelona COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I chose Barcelona for my first marathon (at age 50) because it's my favorite city and I knew the course would provide ever-changing scenery. Nothing like cresting at mile 20 to have the Mediterranean open up in front of you. Communication was a little iffy - never did get a confirming email, though my name was on the website as a confirmed runner. But bib pickup was a piece of cake and goody bag was nice. Also: Metro goes right to the start which made things very easy (though no bag drop that I ever found). Refreshment stations were well-spaced and well-stocked. Lots of locals out to cheer, though would have been nice if they smoked a little bit farther from the course! We had great weather, but a headwind and small climb at the end were tiring. I'll do this one again.
Gordon MacCulloch from Edinburgh, Scotland (3/14/2008) "Great Place to Run" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon Catalunya - Barcelona COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 What a great marathon - a warm sunny day, and a marathon right through the city center, passing all the major tourist sights. I was impressed by the organization at the expo they must have learned from previous years. The crowd support was good, especially in the later stages. One of the best scenic marathons in Europe.
Mindy Ebb from Israel (3/12/2008) "Fantastic experience - enjoyed every moment!" (about: 2008) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon Catalunya - Barcelona COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 My 3rd marathon in Europe and it was great! For anyone who wants a PB, Barcelona is a good place to run. Bib pick up was swift. The course was clearly marked and well stocked with bottles of water, sponges, etc. Spectators were supportive and jolly. The Spanish don't speak much English, so brush up on your Catalan before venturing out there. Oh yes, may God be with you on the race.... You'll need Him when you hit the 4K uphill at the end!
R. A. from San Jose, Costa Rica (3/10/2008) "A must-do marathon!!!" (about: 2008) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Marathon Catalunya - Barcelona COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I was told to run my first marathon on a great course, in a beautiful city. I made no mistake in picking Barcelona. The course is just spectacular from start to finish!!! Organization was flawless; bib pick up was fast; excellent water and food stations; the race is mostly flat (some small hills that, for me, coming from Costa Rica, were very easy). Crowds were very supportive, though concentrated in some spots. It was worth spending 10 hours in an airplane!!! Thanks to Barcelona for one of the best experiences of my life!!!!
P. G. from Den Haag, Netherlands (3/8/2008) "Good course around a great city" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon Catalunya - Barcelona COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Ran the 2008 event two weeks after running the Valencia Marathon. The course is definitely not as flat as Valencia with a number of long slight inclines. It was warm on the day - probably low 20s (C) but thankfully part of the course was in the shade. The route around the city is great - covering most of the important tourist sites. Had no problems with crowding on the route despite the approximately 9,000 starters. Registration, start, refreshment and finish organization were very good. Marshalling at some points could have been better - had to dodge Spanish pensioners that were crossing the route a number of times! Support from the spectators around the course was good - particularly the cafe at 17K that was handing out cups of beer! My wife, as a spectator, said it was better than Valencia. Despite the slight inclines and the heat, I still finished 5 minutes quicker than in Valencia. Definitely want to do it again.
L. C. from New York, USA (3/7/2008) "A beautiful, spectacular course with great support" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon Catalunya - Barcelona COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I have run 3 previous marathons in the United States and this is my first marathon abroad in Europe; I must say that this was one of my favorites! I liked how this race was less congested/crowded than the 20,000+ participants I am used to running with! I thought it would be intimidating for me to be part of the 15% of women among the 9,000 runners, but it was not a problem at all. The runners and spectators were all very supportive, and the volunteers were great! I loved running by Port Olimpic beach, the Sagrada Familia, Torre Agbar, and loved the spectacular start and finish in Plaça de Espanya in front of the Palau Nacional. The water bottles, sponge stations and performers along the way helped a lot. The expo was also well organized and picking up my bib number was quick and easy. My favorite perks were the free pasta party (for runners and friends!) and the free post-race massage afterwards. There were 2 masseuses per person and well over 40 stations so I didn't have to wait long for the best massage I've ever received! My only recommendation for improvement would be MORE portable toilets along the course; I only saw 2 in total and had to stop quickly at a bar to use their restroom! Otherwise, a lovely and well-organized marathon, highly recommended. Make sure you stay in Barcelona for a few days to enjoy the sights!
David Hindmarsh from near Glasgow, Scotland (3/7/2008) "Brilliantly organized; well supported; great city" (about: 2008) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon Catalunya - Barcelona COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Thought the organization was superb, right from the expo through to all of the stewarding at the start and the water stations. Crowds were much better than I imagined, with great support throughout including a bit about 3 miles out where they closed in like the Tour De France. Real PB potential, as the first few miles may be busy, but the roads are wide and there are not too many hills. The temp must have been a gentle 12 or 13 at the start, but by 3 hours I think was just approaching 21 degrees. Didn't seem to be that many charity runners and a greater percentage of serious club runners were running. The route passes most of the main sights of the city and has the potential to become a massive event. It was also excellent value at 40 euros. Well done, Barcelona. Ps. Managed a PB.
Dimosthenis Misichronis from Patrai, Greece (3/6/2008) "Great Race - Great City" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon Catalunya - Barcelona COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 One of the best-organized marathons I have run. The course is very good. The only difficult part is the last 3K-stretch of uphill running, but the spectators help you overcome it. Plenty of water and refreshments. The weather is a little hot but the high buildings give enough shadow. The spectators are not so many but they are very supportive Finally, the city is great. You need at least 4-5 days to see the sights. I am going to come back and run again in Barcelona next year and I recommend this marathon to everybody.
I. A. from Scania, Sweden (3/6/2008) "Very few complaints" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Marathon Catalunya - Barcelona COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I didn't have great expectations about the organization - but I was so wrong! Everything was perfectly well organized and smooth. No waiting at all for the bibs, etc. Great course. On the negative side is that you decide your corral yourself when you register. The result is that the majority choose the fastest groups. It works quite well now, with 9,000 participants, but if the race gets any bigger, it will be chaotic after the starting line. My Garmin says I ran 42.92 KM, which is shorter than for instance, Berlin, where the crowd made me go 43.5 km. I general: much value for the entrance fee!
D. L. from norwich, england (3/5/2008) "Amazing experience" (about: 2008) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon, and what a fanstastic experience it was! The expo on the Saturday was set up with many stalls and a pasta party, but the queue was too long so we didn't go. The marathon itself was amazing; supporters were present for almost the whole 26 miles, and even chanted my name. The water stalls were every 5K, which had bottles water, PowerAde and sponges. The majority of the route was beautiful. It was 20 degrees, but most was in the shade. To conclude, it was my first and certainly not my last!!!

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