A special Merced race: 14,000 participants and men's and women's records
The course debuted on a new layout and was won by Australian Jimmy Whelan and Moroccan Douae Ouboukir.
BarcelonaThe 2025 Bimbo Global Race was a record-breaking edition. More than 14,000 people participated in a race won by Australian Jimmy Whelan and Moroccan Douae Ouboukir. Both set a new record for the race, which debuted on a new route with a finish in Plaça Catalunya. Whelan achieved a time of 29 minutes and 4 seconds, and Ouboukir a time of 33 minutes and 37 seconds. "Last year I watched the Cursa de la Mercè, as my girlfriend is Catalan, and I decided to participate this year," Whelan explained on BTV at the end of the race. "I'm preparing for the Valencia Marathon," added the former cyclist who now participates in triathlons.
Former Spanish 3000m champion Artur Bossy finished second, ahead of Marc Fernández in third. In the women's category, no one could match the pace of Douae Ouboukir el Oihabi, the 2023 champion. Cristina Silva, the previous champion, finished second, and Argentina's Oria finished third. Thirty-seven percent of the registered athletes were women.
Reyes Estevez, who won the 1,500-meter bronze medal at the 1997 and 1999 World Championships, was one of the standout names, performing at a high level at the age of 49, finishing thirteenth. The atmosphere was festive, with good humor and gratitude, as the rain, which threatened to appear at any moment, spared the more than 14,000 participants who had sold out of the 14,500 bibs in the various events, a resounding success for this race, which began in 1979.
New route
More than 14,000 runners took part in the race. After more than two decades on the same route, the new course started at Carrer Aragó and Carrer Pau Claris, finishing at Plaça Catalunya. Highlights included Passeig de Sant Joan, the Arc de Triomf, Passeig Lluís Companys, Ciutadella Park, and the waterfront, with Passeig Isabel II and Passeig Colom. The second part of the circuit continues along Paral·lel, through Carrer Entença, Carrer Floridablanca, and along Ronda Sant Antoni, reaching the finish line in the heart of the city. All proceeds from this year's registrations will go to the Fundación Alzheimer Catalunya.atlons.
In addition to the 10-kilometer Carrera de la Mercè, the 2K inclusive race for people with disabilities or reduced mobility and the 1-mile Family Race were also held.