Running in Barcelona

If you’re a keen runner and you’ve just arrived in Barcelona or if you’ve been here for a while and simply want to get in shape before summer hits, then you’ll be no doubt looking for some of the best spots to run in the city. There are several options for running tracks in Barcelona, whether you’re looking for a hilly challenge to get your blood pumping or a slow and steady jog on a flat course. Check out these running spots in Barcelona as well as some great apps you can use to monitor your progress. You may even like to set some goals for some of the city’s organised runs this year or even next year’s Barcelona Marathon.

Where to run in Barcelona

For those who like to push themselves with a more difficult run, then Parc de Montjuïc is the place to go with its 200m climb up to Montjuïc Castle. You’ll be rewarded with great views and, of course, the downhill return that will see you end up around Plaza de España. Also in this area and for those who like to run a circuit or looking for a spot for interval training, you can head to Parc de Joan Miró where you’ll find a square with its exterior footpath forming a one kilometre loop. It’s a good place if you’re a beginner runner and looking for a quiet and short track. But if you don’t mind a bit of jostling and swerving with other runners, then head to Barceloneta for a run along the paths lining the beach. It’s a flat track where you can set your own distance, given its expansive stretch along the seafront. And for a more urban route that’s easy for people staying in Barcelona’s centre, there’s Avinguda Diagonal. With its wide and flat paths, it’s a nice easy run but best enjoyed when it’s outside of the city workers commute times.

How to keep track of your run

There are plenty of running apps you can use to keep track of your distance and timing, which is particularly useful when you’re running a new place and not yet familiar with the route. You may like to check out Runtastic, Endomondo and also MapMyRun. Some of these apps even offer routes taken by others in the area where you’re staying, which can give you an idea of other possible places to hit the pavement.

What organised runs are on offer

If you’re a person who needs some extra motivation to get out of bed in the mornings to go for a run, then you may like to check out some of the organised runs in Barcelona to have as a training program goal. In addition to the Barcelona Marathon that’s held each year in February/March, some of the other organised runs include the Cursa El Cortes Inglés coming up in April and The Colour Run Barcelona in October.

 Related article: Upcoming running events in Barcelona