This spring, I visited Barcelona for vacation — a city full of color, history, and Mediterranean charm. While the plan was to relax and explore, I couldn’t resist the urge to find a local race. We had plenty of time, so I started searching. Eventually, I found two events and chose the one that felt less commercial, set in the suburbs of the city. It promised a more authentic experience — and it delivered.
The race took place early in the morning, which was a blessing, as the weather was already warm and the following week promised even hotter conditions. The course was modest: 5K and 10K options on slightly hilly, bitumen roads. Nothing extreme, but just enough to make it interesting.
What made it special was the local vibe. The event was small, filled with friendly Barcelonans, and offered a genuine taste of Catalan running culture. There were paper cups instead of plastic, and refreshing water sprayed from garden hoses along the route — simple, sustainable, and effective. We finished on a beautiful small stadium, with cheers from locals and smiles all around.
Outside the race, I also managed to train on my own — even after long days of sightseeing. I ran up to some of the highest points in Barcelona, including Tibidabo and other surrounding hills. I only did three runs in nine days, but totaled nearly 90 kilometers. It’s surprisingly easy to get in quality training here. Even though I stayed near the sea, all it took was fixing the first trail kilometer to escape the city and hit the hills. Barcelona offers that perfect mix: urban energy and wild terrain — all within reach.
At the end of each day, we felt totally wrecked — me, my wife, and even our kid. But we kind of loved it… is that already masochism? 😅
Bonum Cursum 
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