Expo: Decent size, but not as big as others I've been to. After bib pick up you had to walk thru the expo hall to get your race shirt. Good way to make you look at all the vendors.

Swag/Race Shirt: This is the only area I wasn't super impressed with. The swag bag was just a drawstring bag which was decent, but the shirt design was hideous. It said "don't run, fly".....but....I came here to run hahaha.... But the shirt designs in the Asics area were really nice so I bought myself a couple of those (long/Short sleeve).

Pre-Race: Great location for the race start. Plenty of room for people to get warm ups in or just have time/space to themselves before getting into the corrals. Bag drop was easy and smooth. Think there were only 4 or 5 corrals, so you won't have to wait too long to start once it does begin. Corrals were easily marked and easy to access. Looked like there were plenty of portapotties spread out in the start area.

Race/Course: Whoever designed this course was awesome. You really get a feel for all Barcelona has to offer. If you fly in, and only run this race, you will see all the main sights in the city, and have a great time doing it. The first part of the race is uphill, but nothing too dramatic that you should worry about. They post the race elevation profile to the webpage. Crowd support was amazing!! I was alone on this trip, but still felt like the crowd was cheering for me and supporting me. People would be very enthusiastic and call out your name (name on bib) and look you in the eye as if you were family and they were cheering you on. And once you get past the first few miles, you see plenty of portapotty stops if you need them. Like I mentioned, you run by all main sights so don't forget to look up! At one point I turned and noticed I was running in front of the Sagrada Familia, next thing you know you're running by the beach, and then running under the Arc de Triumph was awesome.

Aid stations: BEST AID STATIONS EVER!!!! They would hand out water bottles and powerade bottles. It was warm so this really made all the difference to me. I would grab a water bottle with a top and run with that, then switch out a few aid stations later. Did the same with the Powerade bottles, grab one with a cap. A lot of the aid stations had bananas and oranges, oh and nuts as well if you needed them.

Finish area/Race Medal: Best feeling was turning that corner and seeing the straight away. Plenty of spectators cheering you on and the sight of the stunning Art Museum up on the hill really reminded you that you were in this beautiful city of Barcelona. Race Medal was one sided but the design again captured the essence of what Barcelona is. Colorful and artistic, with all the main sights of the city incorporated in the medal.

Overall: First class event, and a must do race! If you travel to do this race, you will not be disappointed! I just might do this one again next year!

Link to this review