12th Edition Focuses on Faster Treatment Access

The 12th Race of Cities against Pancreatic Cancer will be held in Barcelona on Sunday 13 December 2026, with organisers highlighting the urgent need to accelerate the delivery of medical innovations to patients. The event, titled 'Apropem la meta' (Bringing the finish line closer), is jointly organised by patient and medical associations ACANPAN (Asociación Cáncer de Páncreas), AESPANC (Asociación Española de Pancreatología), and AEG (Asociación Española de Gastroenterología). All funds raised will go directly to the Carmen Delgado and Miguel Pérez-Mateo research grants, which support scientific projects focused on new methods of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Medical Leaders Lend Support

The race is supported by leading oncology experts, including Dr Josep Tabernero, head of the Medical Oncology Service at Hospital Vall d’Hebron and director of Vall d’Hebron Institut d’Oncologia (VHIO); Dr Teresa Macarulla, head of Medical Oncology at Hospital Clínic de Barcelona; and Dr Pilar Navarro, scientific researcher at Hospital del Mar and the Institute for Biomedical Research (CSIC). Dr Navarro is also a recipient of funding from the race’s research grants. Dr Tabernero said: “We are living through a period of significant advances in understanding pancreatic cancer and developing new therapeutic strategies. Our challenge is to ensure these advances translate as quickly as possible into real benefits for patients.”

This initiative has great value because it mobilises resources for research, raises visibility of the disease, and reminds us that progress against pancreatic cancer is a collective effort.

The race will take place at Parc del Fòrum, Carrer de la Pau, 12, Sant Adrià de Besòs, Barcelona. Events begin at 10:00 AM and run until 5:00 PM.

  • 10 km run: two laps
  • 5 km run: one lap
  • 5 km walk: family-friendly solidarity route

Participants can also join the 'Dorsal 0' (Zero Bib) solidarity campaign, contributing without running.

Registration and Deadlines

Online registration remains open until Thursday 10 December 2026 at 23:59. Those wishing to register in person can do so on Saturday 12 December at Diagonal Mar Shopping Centre, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. More information and registration is available via the official portal: xipgroc.cat.

Why Pancreatic Cancer Matters

Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in Spain, and the only malignant tumour with a rising mortality rate each year. Around 10,400 new cases are expected to be diagnosed across Spain in 2026. Only 10% of patients survive beyond five years after diagnosis. Over 80% of cases are detected at advanced stages, as early symptoms often resemble more common, less serious conditions.

Sources: xipgroc.cat, delegacion.catalunya.csic.es, marathons.com.