A special Carrera de la Merced: 14,000 participants and men's and women's records

BarcelonaThe 2025 Bimbo Global Race was a record-breaking event. More than 14,000 people participated. The winners were 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, since my girlfriend is Catalan, and I decided to participate this year," Whelan explained to BTV after the race. "I'm preparing for the Valencia Marathon," added the former cyclist who now participates in triathlons.

In her first time competing, the 29-year-old Whelan launched a strong change of pace from the start, maintaining her intensity throughout the course and crossing the finish line alone with more than a minute and a half advantage over her pursuers. The podium was completed by Artur Bossy, second with a time of 30 minutes and 38 seconds, and Marc Fernández, third with a time of 30 minutes and 40 seconds.

In the women's category, no one could match the pace of Douae Ouboukir, who was already champion in 2023. Cristina Silva, champion a year ago, finished second and Argentina's Oria, third. 37% of the athletes entered were women. Ouboukir stopped the clock with an official time of 33 minutes and 39 seconds, improving by 55 seconds the mark achieved in 2024 by Catalan Cristina Silva (34:34). Ouboukir made a change of pace in the opening kilometers that decided the race.

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Reyes Estévez, who won a bronze medal in the 1,500 meters at the World Championships in 1997 and 1999, 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 available 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 following 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 de 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 de Sant Antoni, reaching the finish line in the heart of the city. All proceeds from this year's registrations will go to the Alzheimer Catalunya Foundation.

In addition to the 10-kilometer Mercè Race, the 2K Inclusive Race for people with disabilities or reduced mobility and the Family Race, covering a distance of 1,609 meters, were also held.