Event Details and Participation

The Cursa de la Mercè Bimbo Global Race will take place on Sunday, 20 September 2026, starting at 8:30 AM on Carrer d'Aragó and finishing in Plaça de Catalunya. The event coincides with Barcelona’s La Mercè festivities and features a certified 10km route designed for improved runner flow, with wider avenues to reduce congestion. A total of 17,200 participants are expected, including 16,000 in the main race, 1,000 in the family mile and 200 in the inclusive 2km race. This marks an increase from the 14,500 runners recorded in 2025.

Registration and Race Day Logistics

Registration opened on 23 June 2026 via the official event website. Entry costs €5 for those with a personal yellow timing chip, or €7 for those renting a white chip. All proceeds will support Clowns Without Borders, a Barcelona-based humanitarian organisation that uses clowning to improve the emotional well-being of displaced children. Participants must collect their bibs and t-shirts at the Runner’s Fair in the Italy Pavilion, Plaça Carles Buïgas. Collection times are:

  • Thursday, 17 September: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Friday, 18 September: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM or 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday, 19 September: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM or 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Proof of registration, digital or printed, is required for collection.

Inclusive and Family Events

The inclusive 2km race begins between 9:15 AM and 9:30 AM, integrated into the final stretch of the 10km route, starting at the junction of Carrer Tamarit and Carrer d'Entença and finishing in Plaça de Catalunya. It is open to runners with intellectual disabilities or reduced mobility who cannot complete the full 10km. The family mile, a non-competitive 1.609km event, starts at 10:45 AM and costs €3. Places are limited to 1,000 participants.

Charity and Sustainability Initiatives

Beyond entry fees, the race supports Clowns Without Borders through the return of white timing chips. Each chip returned to collection baskets at the finish area generates a €0.80 donation. Chips can also be returned in person or by post within one week of the race. Bimbo, the event’s sponsor, will donate 20 slices of bread per participant to the Barcelona Food Bank. The city’s Office of Sport also provides a free childcare service for children aged 3 to 11 near the start line, open from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM on race day, bookable via email to [email protected] by 14 September.

Primary sources: barcelona.cat, ajuntament.barcelona.cat. Reported by beteve.cat, barcelonapress.com, betevé.