Barcelona Half

Racing it

1. 01

   Early start, cool air

   The gun goes at 08:30, so you'll be running in the coolest part of the day. Arrive in good time for baggage and warming up, and expect a chilly wait before you set off.

   From the start time

2. 02

   Flat and steady

   The profile is flat with only 75 meters of total climbing and no listed climbs, on broad avenues built for flowing rhythm. Settle into an even pace early rather than surging between stretches.

   From the elevation profile

3. 03

   Loop, not point to point

   It's a loop with the finish barely 2 meters from the start, and the last 5km has no net climb. No start-line transport to arrange, and you can hold pace to the line.

   From the layout

4. 04

   Landmarks and crowds

   The route passes the Sagrada Família and the Mediterranean coastline with strong crowd support much of the way. Use the noisy sections to lift effort, and expect tight spots where spectators crowd the broad roads.

   From the description

In Barcelona

• Metro beats the road closures

  Central roads close for the race, so use the metro to reach the start and to move around on race morning. Allow extra time, as stations near the course get busy.

• Where to watch

  Spectators can catch runners on the broad central avenues and around the Sagrada Família, then drift towards the coastal end of the city for later views of the field.

• Recover by the sea

  Barcelona's seafront promenade and the parks, such as Ciutadella, are easy places for a gentle post-race walk. February is quiet, so the city's streets are pleasant to wander afterwards.