Brooks takes centre stage at Barcelona’s ultimate running celebration

The eDreams Barcelona Mitja Marató by Brooks has established itself as the world’s fastest half marathon, with Jacob Kiplimo setting a historic 56:42 record. Proudly backed by Brooks, the event was a huge success, drawing more than 30,000 runners from across the globe. Far more than a race, this edition delivered an exceptional weekend of elite performances, immersive experiences and an electric atmosphere.

A standout edition powered by emerging talent and international passion

The eDreams Barcelona Mitja Marató by Brooks is winning over a new generation of runners, with 55% of participants aged between 18 and 35. That enthusiasm reflects the growing appeal of the half marathon and its place in today’s running culture. Its reach extends well beyond Spain, with 40% of runners coming from abroad, further cementing Barcelona’s status as a must-visit destination for world-class sporting events.

This edition also marked a first appearance for Brooks’ new road athletes, who lined up against the elite on a fast course. Among them were 37 high-level runners from trail and road, setting the stage for a spectacular race. Nicolo Bedini and Frenchman Antonin Marquant both delivered impressive sub-63-minute performances, while six other athletes, including Alex Garcia, Pierre Galbourdin, Anthony Frontera and Abdirahman Mohamed, finished inside 64 minutes, showcasing the depth and quality of Brooks’ talent pool.

A full immersion in the Brooks experience

Another highlight of the weekend was Oria Liaci’s qualification for the European Half Marathon Championships, a major milestone in the Swiss athlete’s career and further proof of her rise on the international stage.

But Brooks went beyond elite performances, captivating runners and spectators with a series of original, immersive experiences throughout the weekend:

➡️ A caffeine boost : In partnership with Café de Finca, Brooks gave visitors and runners an extra shot of energy throughout the weekend, serving freshly brewed coffee at its stand.

➡️ A journey through time : The Brooks stand featured a timeline charting the evolution of the brand’s iconic models, from 1914 to its latest innovations, taking visitors through more than a century of running history and expertise.

➡️ A space to get ready and reset : The “Get Ready with Brooks” area brought a fun, unexpected touch to the event, with a hair salon, nail treatments and colourful braids, giving runners a unique lift before race day.

➡️ A unique moment to share : Saturday morning’s “Shakeout Run” brought together nearly 250 participants for a relaxed group run, with athletes, staff and brand fans all taking part. A live percussion show set the pace for the warm-up, adding even more energy on the eve of the race.