Hagos Gebrhiwet (58:05) and Loice Chemnung (1:04:00) claim victory in a record-breaking edition
Hagos Gebrhiwet (58:05) and Loice Chemnung (1:04:00) delivered dominant performances in a race that saw the women’s course record broken and the men’s world-leading time of the year set.
Barcelona further consolidates its position as the second most popular half marathon in Europe, with 36,000 participants.
The two pre-race favorites, Hagos Gebrhiwet and Loice Chemnung, lived up to expectations at the 36th edition of the Hyundai Mitja Marató Barcelona by Brooks, where the women’s course record was broken and an all-time participation record of 36,000 runners was reached.
Men’s race
Hagos Gebrhiwet broke away from his main rivals in the early stages of the race, setting a pace no one could follow. For many kilometers, he was running at a rhythm suggesting a sub-58-minute finish. Although he ultimately crossed the line in 58:05, his performance stands as the fastest time in the world this year over the distance.
Second place went to Switzerland’s Dominic Lobalu (59:26), followed by France’s Emmanuel Roudolff (59:37).
Women’s race
In the women’s race, Loice Chemnung secured a commanding victory in 1:04:00. Her time not only earned her the win but also ranks as the sixth fastest in history and sets a new women’s course record in Barcelona, improving the previous mark by 12 seconds.
Second place went to American Weini Kelati (1:06:04), while Ethiopia’s Diniya Abaraya (1:06:28) completed the podium.
National records and standout performances
In addition to the men’s world-leading time and the women’s course record, the event witnessed several national records. Among them was Australia’s Jack Rayner, who finished sixth in 59:53, breaking the Australian national record by six seconds.
Winners’ reactions
Hagos Gebrhiwet:
“The race is beautiful and the course is very fast. I already imagined that after seeing the time achieved here last year. My first goal was to win, and I also wanted to run under 58 minutes. I won the race and came close to my personal best, so I’m happy. I did think about the record at some point, but in the end I felt the fatigue, and the wind in the final stretch made it harder. I was on pace for something very special.”
Loice Chemnung:
“The course is very fast and flat, ideal for strong performances. I enjoyed it a lot and the atmosphere was fantastic. Thank you, Barcelona — I hope to come back. I’m very happy to have achieved both the victory and the course record. I wasn’t fully aware of it at the finish, but I celebrate it.”
Record participation and a festive atmosphere
Barcelona enjoyed a vibrant running celebration with the largest half marathon in Spain and the second biggest in Europe. The 36,000 runners represent the highest participation figure in the history of the race, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth.
The event also achieved a historic female participation record, with more than 14,000 women (40% of the field). Additionally, 40% of runners were international, representing 93 nationalities, and 35% of participants were under 35 years old.
The city streets were filled with energy throughout the morning. Alongside the record-breaking participation, thousands of spectators came out to cheer on the runners. The 25 entertainment points along the course further elevated the atmosphere of an event that has become an international benchmark, not only for its elite sporting level but also for its festive character.
Strong institutional presence
Barcelona’s Councillor for Sports, David Escudé, officially started the race at 8:30 a.m. alongside Berni Álvarez, Minister of Sports of the Government of Catalonia. Both attended the finish area together with Barcelona’s Mayor, Jaume Collboni, and presented the awards to the winners and top finishers alongside Elena Gris, Marketing Director of Hyundai Motor España.
Sold out at the PaRUNda
One of the highlights of this edition was once again the PaRUNda, the event’s official after-race celebration, which also sold out. More than 3,500 people attended the open-to-the-public party held at Poble Espanyol from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., consolidating its status as the perfect finale to the race.
With food trucks and live music, the PaRUNda once again became the ideal meeting point to extend the race-day experience in a festive and shared atmosphere among runners, supporters, and running enthusiasts.
