On the last day of the year, Barcelona is gearing up for a true sports marathon. From early morning, the city will begin to transform: barriers will be set up on the streets and traffic will be restricted. This year, a record 13,500 people are set to take the start line at Cursa dels Nassos. A festive atmosphere, competitive spirit, and thousands of runners in vibrant costumes await locals and visitors to the Catalan capital on the evening of December 31.
The race has long become an essential part of Barcelona’s New Year traditions. With each passing year, it draws more participants and spectators. Organizers note growing interest in the event, while the route still passes through the city’s most scenic and iconic spots. Once again, the course will run along the coast and through the city center, inevitably affecting daily life in the metropolis.
Two race distances
In 2025, Cursa dels Nassos features two main races. The first is an international 5-kilometer run reserved for professional athletes only. It starts at 16:20 on Avinguda Icària and takes runners along Marina, Llull, Laguna, and Diagonal streets, finishing at Selva de Mar.
The second, larger part is the 10-kilometer race, open to everyone. Wheelchair participants will set off first at 17:14, followed by the main field in several waves at 17:15, 17:18, and 17:25 to prevent crowding at the start. This approach ensures the event is as comfortable and safe as possible for all.
Route and road closures
The race route covers key areas of Barcelona. Runners will sprint along García Fària Avenue, Plaça de Pau Vila, Passeig Picasso, Avinguda Marquès de l’Argentera, and Marina Street. The course is notably flat, making it appealing to athletes of all fitness levels.
However, an event of this scale is bound to impact local transportation. From 10 a.m., the first traffic restrictions will be introduced. Closures will affect streets such as Selva de Mar, Pujades, Llull, Diagonal, and Taulat. After 3:30 p.m., most of the route will be completely closed to cars. Drivers should take extra care: vehicles parked in violation will be towed.
Transport and buses
Public transport services will be altered throughout the day. Between 10:00 and 20:30, many bus routes will either be shortened or redirected. These include D20, H14, H16, V13, V15, V17, V19, V21, V23, V25, V27, V29, V31, 6, 7, 47, 59, 120, 136, 192, as well as the tourist bus on the red route. Organizers recommend planning your journey in advance and accounting for possible delays.
For participants’ convenience, free travel on Rodalies commuter trains will be available. This will make it easy to reach the starting point from anywhere in the metropolitan area. However, keep in mind that traffic in the race vicinity will be highly restricted, and access to the starting zone will be strictly timed and subject to all safety regulations.
Registration and preparation
You can pick up your race bibs, T-shirts, and timing chips in advance. A dedicated area has been set up for this at Escola Grèvol on Provençals Street, 9. Kits will be distributed on December 29 and 30 from 10:00 to 15:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00. On race day, December 31, only participants who live outside Barcelona can collect their bibs, and only between 10:00 and 12:00.
Access to the starting line will be strictly according to schedule. All participants must follow special rules to ensure order and safety. Organizers ask everyone to keep an eye on the time and not be late for their designated slot. Interest is expected to be unusually high this year, so security measures will be stepped up.
Festive atmosphere
Despite all the restrictions, the city will still have a festive spirit. As tradition goes, many participants run in costumes, and music plays along the course. For locals and visitors alike, this is not just a sporting event, but a vibrant way to end the year. Residents prepare in advance for changes in traffic, and many come out specifically to cheer on the runners and be part of a big city celebration.
