Challenge Barcelona will introduce a middle distance race for the first time in 2025, with the event scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 26th. The new format aims to meet growing demand from athletes for longer and more challenging racing in the event’s urban coastal setting.
The course will start and finish in the city, with the bike segment extending north to Mataró along the Mediterranean coast.
“For the first time in our history, Barcelona will host a middle-distance triathlon,” said David Escudé, Sports Councillor for the Barcelona City Council.
“This major change marks a new chapter for the event. The bike course will start in our city and go all the way to Mataró, which is a significant organisational challenge, but we are confident it will be a great success.”
Jort Vlam, CEO of Challenge Family, added “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. 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.”
PTO ranking, €25,000 prize purse and qualification for The Championship
The middle distance race will offer €25,000 in prize money and count towards the PTO (Professional Triathletes Organization) World Rankings. It will also serve as a qualifier for Challenge Family’s The Championship in Šamorín, Slovakia.
Middle distance course overview:
- Swim: 1 lap (1,900m) at Mar Bella beach
- Bike: 2 laps (88km) on a flat course between Barcelona and Mataró
- Run: 3 laps (21km) along the city’s seafront promenade
- Transition zone and expo: CEM Mar Bella and adjacent athletics track
- Finish line: Bogatell seafront promenade
“After nearly two years of hard work, this project has finally come to life,” said Eloi Moragues, Challenge Barcelona Race Director. “Barcelona will now have the event it deserves, in recognition of its history and its commitment to sport – especially endurance events.”
Expanded weekend schedule and youth focus
Open water races of 1.9km and 3.8km will be held on Saturday, October 25, along with an Aquathlon. A Junior Challenge, targeting athletes aged 12 to 17, will return with a short-course, super sprint format and full race services.
2025 event formats:
- Middle distance: 1,900m swim / 88km bike / 21km run
- Sprint dDistance: 750m swim / 20km bike / 5km run
- Junior Challenge: 300m swim / 7km bike / 1.5km run
- Aquathlon: 750m swim / 5km run
- Open water: 1.9km or 3.8km
Middle and sprint distances will be open to relay teams, with the sprint also offering a pairs format. All other events are individual.
Capacity limits for each race have been confirmed to ensure athlete safety and maintain race quality:
Middle distance: 1,800 slots
Sprint dDistance: 1,000 slots
Junior Challenge: 100 slots
Aquathlon: 200 slots
Open water: 400 slots
Tri Expo
The Tri Expo will be held at CEM La Mar Bella on Friday, October 24 (15:00-19:00 CEST) and Saturday, October 25 (09:00-18:00), featuring over 20 brands and a dedicated bib pick-up area.
