Marató Barcelona (2026)

Homenatge — A Tribute to Barcelona

The official Zurich Marató Barcelona 2026 finisher artwork, titled Homenatge, is a celebration of Barcelona — its creativity, its cultural heritage, and the vibrant spirit of Catalonia.

Created by Catalan artist Miguel Pang, the piece captures the idea that during the marathon, the entire city becomes part of the race.

At the heart of the composition rises the unmistakable silhouette of Sagrada Família, the architectural masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí and one of the most powerful symbols of Barcelona’s artistic imagination.

But this is not a static cityscape.

Look closely, and you will notice that everything in the artwork is running.

Along the streets below, a joyful procession of runners moves through the city — athletes, musicians, fantastical creatures, animals, and playful characters, all sharing the same forward motion. In Homenatge, the marathon becomes something larger than the runners themselves. It becomes a celebration where Barcelona itself joins the race.

Catalan culture is woven throughout the scene. A castell, the traditional human tower recognized by UNESCO as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage, rises proudly beside the cathedral — a symbol of trust, collaboration, and collective effort, values that mirror the spirit of the marathon.

High above the city, another delightful detail appears. Gaudí himself leaps across the rooftops of the Sagrada Família, accompanied by the colorful mosaic salamander from Park Güell, often known as El Drac. It is a playful moment that suggests the imagination of Gaudí still lives in Barcelona today — inspiring creativity, movement, and new stories.

Throughout the artwork, small details invite discovery: birds soaring across the sky, surreal figures, musical instruments, and characters inspired by the festive atmosphere of Barcelona’s cultural celebrations such as La Mercè and the storytelling traditions of Diada de Sant Jordi.

Every element contributes to a larger idea: that Barcelona is a city defined by creativity, diversity, and shared experience.

What makes Homenatge even more special is how it was created. Rather than being digitally illustrated, the artwork was hand-painted over several weeks by Miguel Pang. Brushstroke by brushstroke, the scene emerged on canvas before being transformed into the official finisher artwork that runners can personalize with their name and finishing time.

The result is not simply a commemorative poster.

It is a piece of art — a tribute to Barcelona, its most famous artist and son Antoni Gaudí, and the rich cultural identity of Catalunya — while celebrating the collective spirit that brings thousands of runners together for the Marató Barcelona each year.

Just like the marathon itself, Homenatge is a journey filled with movement, imagination, and discovery.