Nicolas Navarro and Mekdes Woldu chase a breakthrough in Barcelona

Barcelona is ready to come alive this Sunday, March 16. With 27,000 runners taking over the Catalan capital, the city will provide the stage for a spectacular race featuring France’s elite athletes. Nicolas Navarro could break the iconic 2:05 barrier, while Mekdes Woldu has big ambitions after a successful winter build-up.

A world-class elite field

With its flat course and ideal conditions for fast times, Spain is a land of records. For its 46th edition, the Barcelona Marathon has assembled a seriously strong elite field. Among them is Kenyan Kibiwott Kandie, the former half-marathon world-record holder who ran 57:32 in Valencia in 2020 and has a marathon best of 2:04:48. Ethiopian Mekuant Ayenew, who clocked 2:04:46 in Seville in 2020, and Kenyan Barselius Kipyego, a 2:04:48 performer in Paris in 2021, will also be on the start line. All three will be looking to dethrone the course record set last year by Switzerland’s Tadesse Abraham in 2:05:01.

Ethiopian Yebrgual Melese will also be expected to light up the race. With a 2:19:36 best set in Dubai in 2018, she is the clear favourite in the women’s field. But she will face serious competition. Kenyan distance runners Vicoty Chepngeno (2:19:55), Sally Chepyego Kaptich (2:20:03) and Linet Masai (2:23:46) will all be looking to shine on this fast, forgiving course.

There are just 133m of elevation gain over the 42.195km course through the heart of the city. The weather forecast is ideal too, with partly cloudy skies and 8°C at the start.

Nicolas Navarro has Tokyo World Championships qualification in his sights

For the French contingent, all eyes will be on Nicolas Navarro. The Aix-en-Provence runner, who represents SCO Ste Marguerite, is a regular on the biggest stages. He impressed at the last two Olympic Games, finishing 12th in Tokyo in 2021 and 16th in Paris in 2024. The marathon is his favourite distance. With a personal best of 2:05:52 set in Valencia in 2023, he is targeting the symbolic 2:05 barrier and the 2:05:18 qualifying standard for the Tokyo World Championships. And why not race for the win on this course? His preparation appears to have gone perfectly, with an impressive training load: an average of 203km per week in 2025. There has been plenty of volume, along with quality work, including a new 10K PB of 28:55 in Cannes. The partner of athlete Floriane Hot is ready to deliver a major performance.

Mekdes Woldu follows the French record pace?

In the women’s race, Mekdes Woldu will be the main French attraction. After an impressive 20th place in the marathon at the Paris Olympics in 2024, the Franconville runner had to withdraw from the Seville Marathon because of a virus. A setback before a comeback. She has chosen the streets of Barcelona to let her talent and hard work do the talking. Her meticulous altitude training block in Kenya points to a very strong performance. The French half-marathon record holder in 1:08:27, she also owns an excellent marathon best of 2:24:44, set in Valencia in 2023. This Sunday, she could take aim at the French record recently set by Manon Trapp, who ran 2:23:38 in Seville.

Barcelona Marathon 2025: Nicolas Navarro and Mekdes Woldu chase a breakthrough

The 2025 Barcelona Marathon promises plenty of drama and fast performances. For elite athletes and amateurs alike, this race embodies the spirit of running: pushing your limits, chasing records, sharing the experience and enjoying the community. A date not to be missed for anyone who loves running.

| The race will be broadcast live on L’Équipe from 8:30 a.m.