Sitges Half Marathon
Each winter, runners lace up for the Mitja Marató de Sitges—the Sitges Half Marathon—one of Catalonia’s most scenic road races. With a flat, sea-hugging course, crisp air, and a festive local crowd, it’s a favorite for first-timers chasing the magic 21.0975 km and veterans hunting a PB.
Why This Race Stands Out
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Scenic & fast: Long stretches along the Passeig Marítim offer sea views and gentle grades—ideal for pacing.
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Cool-weather timing: Typically in January, when temperatures favor endurance performances.
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Compact logistics: Start/finish, bib pick-up, and bag drop are close together—less stress, more focus.
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Community energy: Locals line the route with cowbells, kids’ high-fives, and homemade signs.
Race Options
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Half Marathon (21.1 km): The marquee event with wave starts to smooth early congestion.
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10K: Shares sections of the course—great for supporters or as a sharp tune-up.
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Kids’ races / family run (some years): Short, celebratory distances on the promenade.
The Course at a Glance
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Start: Near the seafront; wide roads for clean position.
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Early kilometers: Settle into rhythm along palm-lined avenues; slight undulations prevent monotony.
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Mid-race: Long, straight seaside segments—perfect for metronomic pacing.
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Final stretch: A psychologically friendly “homeward” leg with crowd lift as the church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla comes into view.
Surface & Terrain
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Road, asphalted throughout.
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Elevation: Minimal; minor rollers and turns keep legs fresh without breaking cadence.
Pacing & Strategy
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Negative split friendly: Hold back 5–10 seconds/km through 10–12 km; press from 15 km if the breeze cooperates.
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Wind watch: Sea breezes can add effort; tuck behind similarly paced runners on exposed stretches.
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Aid stations: Space them into your fueling plan (e.g., sips every station, gels at ~7–8 km and ~14–15 km).
Training Blueprint (4-Week Tune-Up for Intermediate Runners)
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Week 1: 45–55 km total. Key: 6–8 × 1 km at 10K pace (90 sec jog).
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Week 2: 50–60 km. Key: 10–14 km at HM pace continuous.
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Week 3: 55–65 km. Key: 3 × 3 km at HM pace (2–3 min easy) + long run 18–20 km easy.
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Week 4 (taper): 30–35 km. Key: 5 km at HM pace midweek; strides only afterward.
Gear & Weather
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Shoes: Lightweight daily trainer or plated racer if you’re conditioned.
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Kit: Singlet/tee + shorts; arm warmers for cool starts; light cap if sunny.
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Temps: Mornings are cool—warm up properly and shed layers in the start corral.
Nutrition & Hydration
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Pre-race dinner: Carbs with moderate protein; avoid heavy sauce and excess fiber.
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Race morning: 2–3 hours prior, easy-to-digest carbs (toast + honey/banana).
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On course: Aim ~30–45 g carbs/hour via gels/chews; chase with water at stations.
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Post-race: 20–30 g protein + carbs in the first hour; rehydrate with electrolytes.
Logistics
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Bib pick-up: Usually available the day before and early race morning—bring ID/confirmation.
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Bag drop: Close to the start; label clearly.
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Toilets: Lines build 30–40 minutes pre-start—plan accordingly.
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Photos & timing: Chip-timed; on-course photographers focus on promenade spots—look up and smile.
Spectator Guide
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Best viewpoints: Near the church steps, along the Passeig Marítim, and near turnarounds for multiple passes.
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Signs & fuel: Handwritten boards, spare gels, and a loud cheer at 19–20 km work wonders.
Make It a Sitges Weekend
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Friday: Easy shakeout along the promenade; bib pick-up; pasta or fideuà dinner.
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Saturday: Museums (Cau Ferrat, Maricel) and early night.
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Sunday: Race → beachside brunch → gentle sea dip for recovery (10–12 minutes).
Recovery Walks & Eats
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Walk: From the finish toward Sant Sebastià beach—flush the legs with flat steps.
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Treats: Pa amb tomàquet with anchovies, grilled sardines, or a veggie escalivada; toast with local cava or Malvasia de Sitges.
Why Run Sitges
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Performance-ready conditions without the bustle of a mega-city marathon.
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Picture-perfect course that keeps spirits high and splits even.
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Seamless logistics—the kind that let you focus on running your race, not running errands.
