Barcelona is once again getting ready to host one of the top events on the international triathlon calendar. Challenge Barcelona 2025 will take place on Sunday, October 26, and will feature the city’s first middle distance event, allowing triathletes to face a demanding challenge in an exceptional setting. This new distance is in response to the growing demand from athletes looking for more ambitious events in a unique urban and coastal environment.
“For the first time in our history, Barcelona will host a middle-distance triathlon. This major change marks a new chapter for the event, and we’re thrilled to begin it. The bike course will start in our city and go all the way to Mataró, which is a significant organizational challenge, but we are confident it will be a great success,” said David Escudé, Sports Councillor for the Barcelona City Council.
“Challenge Barcelona is already an iconic event on the triathlon calendar. To be able to now add a middle distance race to the programme is a great privilege,” said Jort Vlam, Challenge Family CEO. “On behalf of Challenge Family and the athletes who will be inspired to race, I’d like to personally thank all those who have made this possible. We’re excited to bring longer course racing to the heart of one of Europe’s most spectacular cities!”
Once again, Challenge Barcelona Triathlon will offer €25,000 in prize money for the Middle Distance. The event will also count for the PTO (Professional Triathletes Organization) Ranking and will be a qualifier for The Championship, Challenge Family’s annual championship that brings together the world’s best triathletes in Šamorín near Bratislava, Slovakia.
The new Middle Distance is designed to offer the best of triathlon in a privileged environment, combining speed, strategy, and endurance. It is ideal for both professional athletes and experienced amateurs looking to step up from shorter distances.
- Swim: 1 lap (1,900 meters) at Mar Bella beach, with a course designed for safety and fast pace from the start.
- Bike: 2 laps (88 km) on a flat and fast course between Barcelona and Mataró, along the coast of Barcelona and El Maresme and including going through the heart of the city past the famous Sagrada Familia
- Run: 3 laps (21 km) along the city’s seafront, ensuring an electric atmosphere and constant support from spectators.
- Transition area & Tri Expo: Located at CEM Mar Bella and the athletics track, with ample space for a smooth and organised transition.
- Finish line area: Big post-race party on the Bogatell seafront promenade, celebrating participants and their efforts.
“After nearly two years of hard work, this project has finally come to life. Barcelona will now have the event it deserves, in recognition of its history and its commitment to sport — especially endurance events. Athletes from all over the world will enjoy a truly unique triathlon, starting and finishing in the heart of the city,” said Eloi Moragues, Race Director of Challenge Barcelona Triathlon.
Another exciting addition to the 2025 edition is the inclusion of two Open Water races over 1.9km and 3.8km, which will take place on Saturday morning, October 25, alongside the Aquathlon. These races are ideal for open water swim lovers and offer a new opportunity to take part in the event.
Early bird pricing is available when entries open on Friday 23 May with teh following race formats available:
- Middle Distance: 1,900 m swim (1 lap), 88 km bike (2 laps), 21 km run (3 laps)
- Sprint Distance: 750 m swim (1 lap), 20 km bike (3 laps), 5 km run (1 lap)
- Junior Challenge: 300 m swim (1 lap), 7 km bike (1 lap), 1.5 km run (1 lap)
- Aquathlon: 750 m swim (1 lap), 5 km run (2 laps)
- Open Water: 1,900 m (1 lap) or 3,800 m (2 laps)
All distances are individual, except for Middle Distance (which allows relay teams) and Sprint Distance (available in relay or pairs format).
As in previous editions, Challenge Barcelona Triathlon will again offer the Junior Challenge, aiming to introduce the sport to youth in a safe and professional environment. Boys and girls aged 12 to 17 can take part in the Super Sprint distance, with the same services as the adult races.
In addition to the competition, the Tri Expo will also return. It will take place at CEM La Mar Bella on Friday, October 24 (from 3 to 7 p.m.) and Saturday, October 25 (from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Race bibs will be handed out here, and visitors will also have access to a sports equipment expo and official event merchandise. In 2024, the Tri Expo hosted over 20 brands and drew 8,000 visitors.
Challenge Barcelona is known for its top-level organisation and for offering a unique experience to both participants and spectators. With courses designed to maximize spectacle and competition, the event has become one of the most eagerly anticipated races on the European calendar. The 2025 edition is set to be one of the best yet, with high participation levels and infrastructure ready to welcome athletes from around the world.
Registration will open on Friday, May 23 at 10:00 a.m., and to ensure the best experience for participants, a limited number of slots will be available for each distance. The Middle Distance will offer 1,800 slots, to ensure a non-drafting race with the highest safety standards. Other distances include Sprint Distance (1,000 slots) and Junior Challenge (100 slots), taking place on Sunday, October 26, while the Aquathlon (200 slots) and Open Water (400 slots) events will be held the day before, on the morning of Saturday, October 25.
For further information, visit www.challengebarcelona.com.
