Barcelona is preparing for the 12th edition of the Guàrdia Urbana Race this Sunday, with 14,000 registered participants set to run along the city's Diagonal avenue.
For the first time, the 5-kilometre and 10-kilometre races will start from different points in the Catalan capital but will share a common finish line at the Parc del Fòrum, by the sea. This new format aims to create a shared post-race gathering space for all runners, according to Gerard Figueras, deputy director of the DIR group, which organises the race with the City Council and the Guàrdia Urbana.
Albert Batlle, councillor for Ciutat Vella, explained at the event's presentation that the competition uses "the city's most emblematic avenue" to transform the street into "the best stadium."
Race Details and Route
The 10-kilometre race will start at 8:45am in front of the Palau de Pedralbes. Runners will then divert through some Eixample streets, including Passeig de Gràcia and Carrer València, before rejoining the Diagonal to the Fòrum.
Meanwhile, the 5-kilometre race will begin at 8:30am at the intersection of Passeig de Sant Joan and Carrer València. This route will follow the same path as the longer race towards the coast, ensuring both distances converge for the final stretch.
The shared finish line is designed to provide a "common end-of-party" experience, allowing all participants to celebrate together after completing their respective distances, Figueras told reporters.
