Get ready for the Salomon Run Barcelona

The Salomon Run Barcelona is a unique race, nothing like the typical 10 km or 5 km road runs that you usually find in the city.

In this event, participants in the 10 km race must climb over a thousand steps and overcome a total positive elevation of 300 meters, while the 5 km race has about 100 meters of elevation gain.

But that’s not all — the course is pure Gravel Running. This means it combines asphalt with sections of track and gravel, so being well-trained and properly equipped is essential.

Some tips to prepare for the race:

Train on stairs

Throughout the course, you’ll be going up and down more than a thousand steps, so your posterior chain strength will be crucial for climbing, and your quadriceps will hold up the descents. Doing some training sessions in stair areas beforehand will help your muscles adapt and give you more confidence for those parts of the route.

Stay hydrated

April is usually quite warm in Barcelona, and most editions of the Salomon Run Barcelona have taken place under hot conditions. You’ll find water pointsalong the way, but it’s important to stay hydrated and even bring your own isotonic drinks or gels. For that, Salomon has launched a backpack specifically designed for this kind of run and training. You can take a look at it here.

Pace yourself

In 10 km or 5 km races, it’s quite common to start too fast and then pay for it later. The Salomon Run Barcelona begins with the stairs leading up to the MNAC, so it’s easy to burn out right from the start. Try to control your pace and save energy so you can enjoy the whole route and the wonderful views of Montjuïc.

Choose hybrid footwear

The Salomon Run Barcelona isn’t purely a road race. You’ll come across dirt and gravel sections where grip and stability can suffer with a standard sole, and there are plenty of steps — so good cushioning is a must. But it’s not a technical mountain race either, so trail shoes aren’t ideal.

What’s the best option?

A hybrid Gravel shoe, such as the AERO GLIDE GRAVEL 4. Its upper is extremely comfortable, the foam is highly cushioned and perfect for road training, while its sole is specifically designed to handle mixed surfaces like concrete, stairs, and dirt.