Morhad Amdouni takes on the world’s best at the 2025 eDreams Half Marathon of Barcelona

Once again, the eDreams Half Marathon of Barcelona by Brooks has assembled a world-class elite field. Ugandan star Jacob Kiplimo will headline the 2025 edition, while French fans will have their eyes on Morhad Amdouni as he targets a standout performance on one of the sport’s fastest, most prestigious courses.

The half marathon world record is under serious threat

The 2025 men’s field has the look of a world championship. Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo is the obvious headline act. A two-time world cross-country champion (2023 and 2024), he has been outstanding over the distance, with a best of 57:31 (Lisbon, 2021), and will be determined to chase the world record of 57:30, set by Yomif Kejelcha in Valencia in 2024. But keep an eye on Geoffrey Kamworor, a formidable Kenyan with a best of 58:01. His training partner Abdi Nageeye (Netherlands, 59:55), the reigning New York City Marathon champion, will also be on the start line. Italy’s Yeman Crippa (59:26) and Spain’s Carlos Mayo (59:39) will look to make their mark, as will Germany’s Amanal Petros (60:09), who could shake up the established order.

And then there is Morhad Amdouni. The Frenchman holds the national marathon record (2:03:46 in Seville in 2024) and has a half marathon best of 59:40. Barcelona offers the perfect chance to assess his form ahead of a spring marathon. And why not make history? The French and European record has stood since 2019: 59:13, set by Julien Wanders. Up against such a deep field, Amdouni will surely want to join the fight and show that he belongs among the world’s elite. Also representing France, Fabien Palcau will make his debut over the distance, buoyed by some promising momentum. After a successful US campaign, highlighted by an impressive 5,000m personal best of 13:11.03, he will take on this new challenge with ambition and determination. Nicolas Navarro, meanwhile, will use the half marathon as part of his build-up to the Barcelona Marathon on 10 March. With no time goal in mind, he will treat it as a marathon-pace workout, targeting roughly 1:03.

Can Joyciline Jepkosgei make it two in a row?

In the women’s race, the question is simple: who can beat Joyciline Jepkosgei ? The Kenyan, who won in 2024, holds the course record of 1:04:29 and has shown remarkable consistency. Alongside her, Nancy Sang (1:06:52) and Gladys Chepkurui (1:05:46) will make up the lead pack. Great Britain’s Jessica Warner (1:07:07) will also look to disrupt the favourites, while Spain’s Carolina Robles will make her half marathon debut in front of a home crowd.

France’s Floriane Hot, who has been in excellent form in recent months, will also be on the start line. After a strong cross-country season, a 10K personal best at the Prom’Classic in Nice and, above all, a 100K world title in December 2024, she will be eager to set a new half marathon personal best.

Perfect conditions for a fast race

The Barcelona Half Marathon is also about a unique atmosphere. The city pulses with the rhythm of the runners, and the exceptionally fast course promises a spectacle. With ideal weather forecast, temperatures around 10°C and little wind, everything is in place for a day of world-class performances.

With personal bests waiting to be broken and future goals to prepare for, the race promises to be a thrilling one in the Catalan capital. See you on Sunday, 16 February!