Granollers-Barcelona Half Marathon 2027 – Spain

What to Expect

The Granollers-Barcelona Half Marathon, officially known as La Mitja Marató Internacional de Granollers, Les Franqueses i la Garriga, is one of Catalonia’s established road-running events. Organized by Associació Esportiva La Mitja, the race combines elite international competition with a large field of recreational and club runners. The event takes place across Granollers, Les Franqueses del Vallès and La Garriga, creating a distinctive point-to-point-style urban running experience rather than a simple loop around one city.

The main attraction is the certified 21.097-kilometre half marathon. The course is officially certified by the Federació Catalana d’Atletisme and the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, while the organization provides intermediate timing points and several hydration stations.

The race is also part of a much wider weekend of running activities. Alongside the principal half marathon, the programme includes a 10K, El Quart, school-related competitions, La Mini for children and a non-competitive walking event. This makes the event particularly appealing to families, athletics clubs and groups travelling together.

Participants can expect a professionally organized road race with starting corrals based on expected finishing times. Elite runners are separated from the general field, while recreational athletes are placed into different corrals to help reduce congestion during the opening stages.

The organization also provides several practical services, including baggage storage, showers and massage facilities at the Palau d’Esports. Participants receive a runner package that includes a Mizuno shirt, finisher medal and a large race bag.

Another distinctive feature is the event’s connection with local communities. The course passes through three municipalities, while the organization promotes the race as a major sporting occasion for the Vallès area.

Event Dates

The Granollers-Barcelona Half Marathon 2027 is scheduled for Sunday, January 24, 2027. The official organizer confirms this as the 41st edition of the International Granollers, Les Franqueses and La Garriga Half Marathon. The principal half marathon starts at 10:30 AM, while other races begin earlier.

The main schedule is:

• 9:30 AM – 10K
• 9:30 AM – El Quart
• 10:30 AM – Elite half marathon runners
• 10:30 AM – Runners targeting up to 1 hour 20 minutes
• 10:31 AM – Runners targeting 1:20 to 1:30
• 10:33 AM – Runners targeting 1:30 to 1:45
• 10:35 AM – Runners targeting 1:45 to 2 hours
• 10:35 AM – Runners targeting more than 2 hours

Bib, chip and race-gift collection is scheduled at Roca Umbert, Dents de Serra, Carrer Lluís Companys 1 in Granollers, on the Friday and Saturday before race day, with morning and afternoon collection periods.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Stadium & Sports Venue

The Granollers-Barcelona Half Marathon is a road-running event rather than a stadium-based competition. Its course moves through the urban areas of Granollers, Les Franqueses del Vallès and La Garriga, giving participants a broader experience of the local area.

The main starting point is at Carrer Esteve Terradas at the intersection with Carrer Francesc Serra in Granollers. The principal finish is on Carrer de Francesc Macià, in front of the Palau d’Esports de Granollers.

The Palau d’Esports is particularly important to the event because it serves as a central support facility. Baggage storage, showers and massage services are provided there for participants.

The course covers exactly 21.097 kilometres, making it a regulation half-marathon distance. The official certification by the Federació Catalana d’Atletisme and RFEA gives the race additional credibility for runners interested in official times.

The course is not confined to Granollers itself. Runners travel through the neighboring municipalities, giving the event its full Granollers–Les Franqueses–La Garriga identity.

Full Fixture or Event Schedule

The event weekend contains substantially more than the headline half marathon. The organizer operates several races and activities designed for different ages and abilities.

The main competitive programme includes:

• International half marathon
• 10K race
• El Quart
• El Quart Batxillerats
• La Mini children’s races
• Caminada de la Mitja
• Supporting community and athletics activities

The 10K and El Quart take place before the main half marathon. The half marathon itself uses staggered starting corrals, with elite athletes and faster runners leaving first before subsequent groups follow according to their target finishing times.

La Mini provides a dedicated programme for young children, with distances ranging from very short introductory runs to longer children’s races. Different age categories have their own distances and starting locations, making it a family-oriented part of the wider event.

The Caminada de la Mitja is a non-competitive walking activity designed for people who prefer walking or want to accompany participants with disabilities. It offers a more accessible way to participate in the wider event atmosphere.

Results are officially recorded and made available through the event’s results system, allowing participants to check their finishing position and times after competing.

Teams, Athletes & Participants

The event attracts a mixture of elite international runners, Spanish athletes, Catalan club competitors and recreational participants.

The elite field is one of the strongest aspects of La Mitja. Recent editions have featured highly competitive African distance runners alongside leading Spanish and Catalan athletes. The official event history shows winners from Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia and other running nations, demonstrating the international character of the competition.

The 2027 race is open to participants aged over 16, while underage runners require authorization from a parent or legal guardian. The published regulations require all participants to accept the race rules and be correctly registered.

For recreational runners, the starting-corridor system is based on expected finishing performance. This allows runners with similar target times to begin together and helps minimize unnecessary congestion.

The race also has a strong local participation base. Athletes from Granollers, Les Franqueses, La Garriga and other municipalities in the Vallès region compete alongside visitors from elsewhere in Spain and international runners.

The organization also awards specific local classifications, including prizes for leading athletes representing several surrounding municipalities and the wider Vallès Oriental and Maresme area.

Tournament Format & Competition Structure

The half marathon uses a mass-participation road-race format rather than a knockout or team tournament structure.

Participants compete individually over the certified 21.097-kilometre course. Official timing determines overall and category classifications, while intermediate passage times are also recorded at 5, 15 and 20 kilometres.

The elite field has its own starting corral, followed by several general corrals arranged according to expected finishing time.

The official classification system determines the overall men’s and women’s results. Trophies are awarded to the first three men and first three women, while additional local awards recognize leading runners from specific municipalities and regional areas.

The race officially closes 2 hours and 45 minutes after the official start. Athletes who are unable to complete the course within the permitted race period may therefore find that official race services and road closures are withdrawn after the published closing point.

Because this is an individual road race, there are no group stages, quarter-finals or elimination rounds. The competitive objective is to achieve the fastest official time and highest classification within the relevant categories.

Match/Event Times

The principal half marathon begins with the elite field and fastest expected runners at 10:30 AM. General runners then start in closely spaced waves according to their expected finishing performance.

The starting structure is designed to separate runners into performance groups:

• Elite runners
• Up to 1:20 target
• 1:20–1:30 target
• 1:30–1:45 target
• 1:45–2:00 target
• More than 2:00 target

The staggered arrangement means participants should pay close attention to their assigned starting corral rather than simply arriving at the start line and joining any group.

The 10K and El Quart begin earlier in the morning, allowing the wider programme to progress before the main half marathon field takes over the starting area.

Participants should arrive well before their assigned start to allow time for transportation, baggage storage, warm-up, toilets, bib checks and movement into the correct corral.

Ticket Types

The event uses race registrations rather than traditional spectator tickets.

For the principal half marathon, registration prices are structured according to the number of available bibs and the timing-chip option selected. The published prices are:

• First 1,000 bibs: approximately $31.30 with an existing yellow chip, $33.54 with a virtual yellow chip, or $35.77 when purchasing the virtual chip.
• Bib numbers 1,001–3,000: approximately $35.77 with an existing yellow chip, $38.01 with a virtual yellow chip, or $40.24 when purchasing the virtual chip.
• Bib numbers 3,001–5,000: approximately $40.24 with an existing yellow chip, $42.48 with a virtual yellow chip, or $44.72 when purchasing the virtual chip.
• Bib numbers 5,001–7,000: approximately $42.48 with an existing yellow chip, $44.72 with a virtual yellow chip, or $46.95 when purchasing the virtual chip.
• From bib 7,001 onward: approximately $44.72 with an existing yellow chip, $46.95 with a virtual yellow chip, or $49.19 when purchasing the virtual chip.

A separate RFEA day licence adds approximately $4.47 for runners who require it. Athletes holding the relevant Catalan or RFEA federation licence can request reimbursement of that day-licence charge under the organizer’s conditions.

Registration also includes race benefits such as a Mizuno shirt, finisher medal and race bag.

Ticket Release Phases

The half marathon uses a bib-number-based pricing structure rather than one single registration price. The earliest 1,000 places form the first registration tier, followed by additional price increases as the bib allocation progresses.

The published 2027 structure has the first 1,000 places already marked as sold out, followed by sold-out allocations for the next groups through the 5,000-bib level. The currently listed prices therefore depend on the remaining bib allocation.

The organization states that registrations close on January 17, 2027, or earlier if the maximum of 8,000 participants is reached. This means capacity is an important factor for anyone planning to enter.

There is no refund once registration has been accepted, and registrations are personal and non-transferable. The organizer also requires participants to have valid proof of registration.

VIP & Hospitality Options

The Granollers-Barcelona Half Marathon is primarily a competitive road race and does not operate like a stadium event with conventional VIP seating, corporate boxes or spectator hospitality packages.

The main premium aspect of the event is the elite starting field. High-level international athletes compete at the front of the race, creating a strong competitive atmosphere for both participants and spectators.

For registered runners, the event provides several enhanced services that improve the race experience, including baggage storage, showers and massage facilities at the Palau d’Esports. These are participant services rather than separate VIP ticket packages.

Corporate groups, clubs or sponsors may have arrangements directly with the organizer, but visitors should not assume that a general-public VIP package is available unless specifically announced through official channels.

Stadium & Event Rules

Participants must comply with the official race regulations from registration through to completion.

The half marathon is open to runners over 16, with parental or guardian authorization required for minors. Every runner must be correctly registered and must use the official bib supplied by the organization. Running without the correct bib, or wearing it incorrectly, can result in disqualification.

Participants must complete the official route. Athletes who fail to follow the full course can be removed from the classification.

Unsporting behavior can also result in disqualification. The medical service and organizers have authority to remove participants who display serious physical problems or are considered unable to continue safely.

Bicycles and other wheeled or motorized devices are not permitted inside the race circuit while the competition is taking place, except for vehicles specifically authorized by the organizer.

Participants also accept the event’s image-use conditions when registering, allowing the organizer and sponsors to use event photographs and moving images in accordance with the published regulations.

How to Get There

Granollers is located in the province of Barcelona and has strong transport connections with Barcelona city and surrounding municipalities.

For runners travelling from Barcelona, rail travel is one of the most practical options. The organizer provides registered participants with a ticket that can be exchanged for a return Rodalies de Catalunya journey from Barcelona-area stations to Granollers Centre, subject to the published conditions.

The race start is located on Carrer Esteve Terradas at the junction with Carrer Francesc Serra. The finish is on Carrer de Francesc Macià in front of the Palau d’Esports.

Visitors staying in central Barcelona can therefore combine regional rail with a short local walk or additional public transport connection.

Driving is possible, but road closures and race operations make public transportation a more practical option for many participants. Runners should avoid leaving travel arrangements until the last minute because the starting area can become crowded.

Public Transport & Parking

Public transportation is strongly recommended for race participants.

The organizer’s Rodalies arrangement is particularly useful because registered runners can obtain a return-journey ticket toward Granollers Centre. The ticket is collected together with the race bib and participant package.

Granollers Centre is the key railway station for visitors arriving by regional rail. From there, participants can continue toward the race area on foot or use local transportation where appropriate.

Parking is available in Granollers, but participants should not assume that spaces immediately beside the start or finish will be available. Temporary road restrictions can also make access more complicated.

If travelling by car, arriving early and parking outside the immediate race-control zone is advisable. Participants should then walk to the starting area and allow additional time for road closures and pedestrian congestion.

Accommodation Areas

Granollers is the most convenient place to stay for runners who want to remain close to the event. Staying in the town reduces the need for an early regional journey and makes it easier to reach the start.

Barcelona is another strong option, particularly for international visitors who want to combine the race with sightseeing. The rail connection between Barcelona and Granollers makes it possible to stay in the larger city while travelling to the race.

For the greatest convenience, runners should look for accommodation near Granollers Centre or within walking distance of the central event areas.

Visitors who prefer a quieter environment can also consider Les Franqueses del Vallès or La Garriga, although transport arrangements should be checked carefully.

Hotels offering early breakfast, luggage storage and flexible checkout can be particularly useful for race participants.

Food & Drink at the Venue

The race takes place on urban streets rather than inside a stadium, so participants should not expect a conventional sports-arena food court.

The organizer confirms hydration stations at approximately 5, 10 and 15 kilometres, as well as at the finish.

Runners should nevertheless arrive with a nutrition strategy appropriate to their training and race goals. Those targeting a personal best may prefer to carry their own preferred energy products rather than depending entirely on course services.

Granollers has cafés, bakeries, restaurants and other food options around the central area, making it easy for runners and supporters to find breakfast or a post-race meal.

Because race roads can be temporarily restricted, spectators should plan where they intend to eat before moving around the course. The central areas around the finish provide convenient options after the competition.

Accessibility

Accessibility is incorporated into the wider event programme, including a non-competitive walking activity designed to allow people to participate on foot or accompany people with disabilities.

The organization also promotes quieter collection periods for bib pickup. These quiet hours are designed to reduce sensory load, avoid excessive queues and provide a calmer environment for participants and families who may find crowded collection areas stressful.

The main race uses public streets, so participants with mobility requirements should review the course and access arrangements before travelling.

The Palau d’Esports is an important service location, with baggage storage, showers and massage services available to participants.

Anyone with specific accessibility requirements should check the latest organizer information before attending because temporary road infrastructure, barriers and crowd movements can affect access around the course.

Best Matches/Events to Attend

The main half marathon is the obvious choice for spectators interested in elite road racing. The international field regularly includes athletes capable of producing very fast performances, making the front of the race particularly exciting.

The start is also worth experiencing because multiple corrals create a sequence of runners moving onto the course rather than one single wave.

The 10K is another attractive race for spectators who want a shorter competition. It offers a mixture of competitive runners and recreational participants and begins before the principal half marathon.

El Quart provides another opportunity to see shorter-distance competition, while the children’s La Mini programme is particularly suitable for families.

For visitors interested in the full atmosphere rather than only the headline race, staying around the event village and finish area allows them to experience the different categories and watch runners complete their competitions.

The finish in front of the Palau d’Esports is especially useful for spectators because it combines the excitement of the leading runners with the steady arrival of recreational participants.

Previous Year’s Highlights

The previous edition marked the event’s 40th running and attracted close to 12,000 participants across its different distances despite difficult weather conditions.

In the main half marathon, Kenya’s Esau Kemboi won with a time of 1:00:39. Uganda’s Feb Chelegoi finished second in 1:00:46, while Ilias Fifa placed third in 1:01:47. Fifa also became the Catalan half-marathon champion.

The women’s race was won by Beyhelem Nega in 1:10:01. Núria Gil Clapera finished second in 1:12:11, while Angeline Chelimo took third in 1:12:31.

The event also produced strong performances in its shorter races. The 10K men’s winner was Josep Maria Novellas, while Sonia Sans won the women’s 10K. José Luis Blanco won El Quart.

The previous edition demonstrated the event’s ability to maintain a large recreational field while also attracting high-level international athletes. That combination remains one of the defining characteristics of the Granollers race.

Official Tickets

The official event website is the best source for race registration, rules, course information, participant services and registration updates.

Official La Mitja Marató website (https://lamitja.cat/)

The official organizer is Associació Esportiva La Mitja, based in Granollers. Registration is handled online through the official race platform and linked registration service.

Official Half Marathon registration information (https://halfmarathonbarcelona.com/)

Participants should use the official organizer’s registration links rather than unofficial resale platforms because race entries are personal and non-transferable. The organizer also states that accepted registrations are non-refundable and that registration closes when the stated deadline or participant capacity is reached.