Barcelona is a great place to live, especially if you love sports. It offers so many opportunities to be active, and running happens to be one of the most popular ways to get moving.

We want to tell you about different routes around the city so you can choose the one that best fits you. Today, we will start with the beachfront circuit, specifically from Mar Bella to the W Hotel and back (8,8 km).

Three reasons why this route is great for runners:

1. The ocean
2. Lots of runners
3. No stoplights

Running along the coast is one of the most enjoyable ways to get in a good workout. The ocean stares at you, distracting you from any negative thoughts that might enter your mind. It always gives you a nice breeze, which can be a big relief during hot, sunny days. It energizes you, helping you to stay motivated.

This circuit is full of other runners, too, which is motivating. We all have those days when we feel sluggish or sore. So, when you pass by dozens, if not hundreds, of other runners along the way who might be feeling the same way and still made the effort to run, it leaves you with no excuses not to run. Even if you feel great and are fully committed, those other runners can add fuel to your tank by pushing you to keep up with someone running faster or to try to keep ahead of someone who is about to pass you.

The other perk of this route is that there aren’t any traffic lights. You don’t have to pause for any cars or motorcycles. The paved pathways offer up a fluid course that allows you to keep your pace without interruption. The only thing that might get in your way are tourists, particularly in the summer, but that can also add another dynamic to your run.

The beachfront course is great for other reasons as well. You can choose to run the flat, paved path or make it more challenging with an undulating run up and down the ramps along the beach or simply by running on the sand. There are also beautiful buildings and landmarks that line the coast as you cruise by: the Municipal Nautical Base, Port Olímpic, the Mapfre Towers, the Golden Fish, the W Hotel, etc. And, in general, the activity at the beach offers up entertainment for you along the way, even more so if you aren’t someone who listens to music during a run.

If you haven’t had the chance to run along the coast yet, we highly recommend that you give it a try. It’s hard to beat!

BY EMILY BENSON

PHOTOS BY ISABEL TROYA

Check out @carrersbcn‘s photos on Instagram!

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