Run Run Run in Barcelona

Last May, as the summer was slowly approaching, I felt the urgent need to find a new after-work hobby. After hesitating between art classes, danse classes and pilates I decided to go for something that would get my endorphin levels surging for the summer. Although many friends suggested I join them at their gym, I decided to go for a cheaper and more outdoorsy option: running! I valued the fact that I could go whenever I felt like it and that beside the initial investment in good running shoes (VERY important!!) it is free!

If you are currently living in Barcelona, you have probably already noticed the large number of runners in the city. The reason for this is, I believe, that there are so many options to choose from when looking for the perfect run. Indeed, you can run by the beach, stroll down open avenues, race up hills or even go and explore the nearby mountains and get a bit of fresh air.

Armed with my new running shoes and my i-pod I decided to discover the itineraries the city had to offer. One of the most popular ones is, without a doubt, going down Avinguda Diagonal from Glories shopping centre to Diagonal Mar. This run of 5.55 km is very enjoyable as you get to run down an open avenue with very few cars and many other runners, cyclists and people rollerblading. It is perfect if you work in the busy 22@ area and wish to go for a lunchtime of after-work run.

Directions

1. Start your run at Avenue Diagnol and Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, at the Glories metro station.

2. Notice the slight incline in the road towards the east. Begin running up the incline. 

3. Keep running straight along Avenue Diagnol this entire run. You will run through the city, through street lights and pass a number of tiendas (stores). You are running in the middle of the avenue where there is a walking/running/cycling path. Pass the Selva de Mar metro station on your right (1.16 mi / 1.87 km). 

4. Continue straight. The running path will force you to veer left onto Carrer de Llull for one tenth of a mile. You are still following Avenue Diagnol. When you reach Rambla de Prim (the end of the diagonal) turn right to cut back to the Diagnol and head back to where you began (3.45 mi /5.55 km). 

5. End your run where you began, at Avenue Diagnol and Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes.

(Source http://www.blazetravelguides.org/destinations/barcelona/diagnol)

Many runners enjoy running by the beach and breathe in the seaside air. I particularly like going down Avinguda Joan de Borbo from Barceloneta metro station (don’t go there if you’re hungry the smells coming from the restaurants are amazing J), turn towards hotel W, turn back and continue towards the Hotel Arts. The sights are just breathtaking, especially at sunset, and the beach offers you great opportunities to stretch after your effort. Finally, another popular running destination is Ciutadella Parc which is completely traffic free and offers an interesting alternative to city asphalt.

There are a few running clubs which you can join in Barcelona if you wish to meet other sporty people :

·         Corredors Club
http://www.corredors.cat/index.php

·     Run 2 Live Barcelona
http://www.run2livebcn.cat/

There are also many races throughout the year, the most popular ones being the Barcelona Marathon, the Cursa del Corte Inglés, Cursa de bombers or Cursa dels Nassos. This nice blog lets you know all about the races in the city:    http://runningbarcelona.blogspot.com/

So if you do decide to go running in this wonderful city let us know what you think! Don't forget to be careful (I wouldn't go at night as some areas are a bit dodgy afterdark) and stretch after your run :)