Barcelona residents run most familiar race after pandemic halt

Thousands of residents enjoyed a sunny and sporty Sunday in the city center of Barcelona. The 'El Corte Inglés' race returned for its 42nd edition, after a halt in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 10-kilometers race with over 21,000 runners, according to organizers, is considered to be the most popular and familiar one on the continent. One of the previous editions surpassed 100,000 participants. 

This year’s edition arrived with a new course route that went from 'El Corte Inglés' establishment in Avinguda Diagonal avenue to the store located in Plaça de Catalunya square. 

🎥 Running, jogging, and even walking

Barcelona residents run ‘El Corte Inglés’ race, the most familiar course in the city after the pandemic halt

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— Catalan News (@catalannews) April 24, 2022

With the change, runners no longer had to go through Montjuïc’s mountain making the race easier and faster as it is a level course. Something that experienced runner Consòl thanked the organizers. 

"I have been running since the 25th edition, and we are now at the 42nd, so imagine. But it is much better here, as you do not have to go up the Montjuïc hill," Consol said to Catalan News after surpassing the third kilometer of the race. 

Other runners have enjoyed the race for the first time, such as Marta, accompanied by her two nephews. 

"It is very interesting and very cool. There are a lot of families here. We are enjoying it a lot. The starting line was dazzling," Marta said to this media outlet while walking Avinguda Diagonal avenue. 

Others have taken part in the race because of family and friends. "At the moment, I am just walking because at my age I cannot do anything more," Salvador explained to Catalan News while all his family was watching. 

"The family joined and I cannot be the only person that does not sign up for these kinds of things," he added. 

🎥 Runners run their last sprint at the @elcorteingles race in the city center of Barcelona after the Covid-19 pandemic halt

For some, this is their first course, but others have been enjoying one of the most familiar races in Europe for years

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— Catalan News (@catalannews) April 24, 2022

As Salvador, Cristina enjoyed the race walking. She was pushing a trolley with her daughter surpassing the second kilometer of the course sign. "For the moment, I feel good as I am just walking," she explained.