Dirt Cheap Barcelona

There is nothing so invigorating (or cheaper) when traveling, than running a marathon. Because marathons are held around the world each year, they offer some of the richest opportunities you’ll ever get to see both the splendour of the city and the outdoors around them. That’s why the Marato Barcelona or Barcelona Marathon is such a fantastic event for all adventure seekers out there.

Held on March 7, 2010 this year, the marathon is a 42.195 km race. For those interested in shorter, less gruelling editions of the race, there is a 5km and a 10km track within the larger course. The smaller routes are a great way to get a short glimpse of the city and the harbour.

The race takes runners through the heart of the Mediterranean city, showcasing the classic Gaudi architecture that draws tourists from around the world each year. Along the course, you will see a number of landmarks including Camp Nou where FC Barcelona plays, La Pedrada, Sagrada Familiar, and the Hospital de Saint Pau – a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Marathon starts under the hills of Montjuic Park, directly in front of the world famous Magic Fountain. It then follows a circuit along the harbour and through the Catalonian streets. The majority of the race is flat and the weather is temperate, and occasionally warm depending on the seasons that year.

Each year, it is estimated that more than half of the 8,000 annual participants in the Barcelona Marathon are tourists from abroad. This small field of runners makes it far easier to explore and enjoy the streets of Barcelona, however, all while enjoying the benefits of closed streets on a marathon course. The last two years, however, the entrant pool has increased many times over as this event has become better known. If you’re interested in making your trip to Barcelona one of athletic achievement, do it quickly, in the 2010 event, lest you find yourself jammed into a field of thousands, as is the case in so many other cities.

Visiting European cities on a tight budget? Check out our other dirt cheap guides!

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Birmingham budget travel guide.
Copenhagen budget travel guide.
Istanbul budget travel guide.
London budget travel guide.
Madrid budget travel guide.
Rome budget travel guide.
Vienna budget travel guide.