More than a goal: the stories that make Barcelona fly
Barcelona isn't just about running: it's about living it. With less than four months until the Barcelona Half Marathon by Brooks and five months until the Zurich Barcelona Marathon, the city's streets are preparing to welcome thousands of runners who, beyond the clock, pursue a common goal: to transform effort into hope.
Justine Savalle: Running for LifeAt just 21 years old, Justine Savalle, an architecture student in Bordeaux, is preparing to run her first marathon: the Zurich Marató Barcelona 2026.
A year earlier, her life changed completely when she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma affecting the heart. For months, treatments prevented her from running, but she never gave up on movement: daily walks, hiking, tennis... and the promise to wear a bib again.
“Running gave me back my confidence,” she explains. “Even though my body was weak, I was still able to move forward.”
Now, through his social media, where he has more than 100,000 followers, he shares his story to show that even in the face of illness, sport can continue to be a driving force for life.
With more than 65,000 runners of 120 nationalities, the Barcelona Half Marathon and Marathon reflect the city's inclusive spirit.
Three employees of the Enriqueta Villavecchia Foundation—Estefania, Clàudia, and Yolanda—are preparing to run the Barcelona Half Marathon 2026 by Brooks together. Their motivation goes far beyond the sporting challenge: they run for the children with serious illnesses they care for every day. “We run 21 km. They run over a thousand every day,” they explain.
The foundation's team is also promoting the Pavelló de la Victòria, the first pediatric palliative care center in Spain, which will be located in the Sant Pau modernist complex. They train in different parts of Catalonia, but come together every week to share miles and purpose.
Alex Roca: Breaking the LimitsÁlex Roca is a living example that there are no barriers. At six months old, he suffered from encephalitis, which left him with cerebral palsy and a 76% physical disability. Decades later, he became the first person in the world with cerebral palsy to finish a marathon, in Barcelona in 2023.
The effort of crossing the finish line turns into shared emotion in this arrival full of camaraderie and celebration.
“The Barcelona Half Marathon will always be special to me because it was my first half marathon in 2019. It represents my city, my home, and my people. Running through its streets is like feeling supported, surrounded, and reliving everything that inspired me to start.”
"I've been fortunate enough to run in many cities around the world, but none excites me like Barcelona. Its route, its atmosphere, and the energy of the people make every kilometer unique."
Alex has completed triathlons, marathons, and extreme events like the Titan Desert, proving that mental strength and a sense of accomplishment can move mountains. This year, he's preparing for the Mitja Marató by Brooks.
Alex Roca will once again run the Mitja Marató by Brooks, the race that marked his breakthrough in 2019.
Each story has one thing in common: Barcelona. A city that inspires, supports, and inspires.
With more than 65,000 runners across both events, 40% of whom were women, and more than 120 nationalities, the Barcelona Half Marathon by Brooks and the Zurich Marathon Barcelona have become much more than just two competitions: they are a reflection of the city's open, supportive, and vibrant spirit.
Because in Barcelona, you don't just run 21 or 42 kilometers. You run for those who dream, for those who fight, for those who inspire. And together, we fly higher.
More information:Barcelona Half Marathon by Brooks February 15, 2026 Registrations sold out. But the party continues at La PaRUNda by Brooks, the post-race event in Poble Espanyol with music, food trucks and lots of fun: mitjamarato.barcelona/parunda/ Zurich Barcelona Half Marathon March 15, 2026 Registrations open at: zurichmaratobarcelona.es
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