Phoenix 24
Two remarkable victories highlight Barcelona’s celebration of running.
BARCELONA
Spanish athletics celebrated an impressive display of speed and endurance as Bakr El Asri Mohsine and Meritxell Soler claimed victory at the 27th Vueling Cursa Bombers Barcelona, a 10-kilometer road race that brought together 16,000 registered runners. The November 8 event combined elite competition with a longstanding civic tradition honoring the city’s firefighters.
El Asri, a 19-year-old rising talent from Girona, won the men’s race in 28 minutes and 50 seconds, setting a new Spanish under-20 best for the distance. His victory came after an exceptionally close contest that remained undecided until the final meters.
Aleix Vives finished just one second behind in 28:51, while Àdam Maijó completed the podium in 28:53. The three athletes had remained closely matched throughout much of the race, with El Asri relying on a powerful finishing sprint to secure the win.
The achievement was particularly significant because it marked his debut in a competitive 10-kilometer road race. Already recognized for his performances in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, El Asri demonstrated his potential across different endurance disciplines.
His performance also earned him the Catalan 10-kilometer road championship, adding another achievement to a promising athletic career.
In the women’s competition, Olympic athlete Meritxell Soler reinforced her remarkable relationship with the Barcelona event, winning in 31 minutes and 54 seconds.
Soler secured her fifth victory in six editions after breaking away from her closest competitors during the final stages. Marta Galimany finished second in 32:20, followed by Jessica Martin in 33:00.
The result represented Soler’s second-fastest performance at the event, just seven seconds behind her 2025 time of 31:47. She also secured another Catalan championship title, demonstrating the consistency that has made her a prominent figure in Spanish distance running.
Beyond the elite results, the race reflected the growing appeal of recreational athletics. Organizers reported that approximately 40% of registered participants were women, while 91% came from the province of Barcelona.
The course began and ended on Avinguda del Marquès de l’Argentera, taking runners through prominent city streets including Gran Via, Paral·lel and Via Laietana.
The event also maintained its connection with the Barcelona Fire Brigade, with approximately 500 firefighters participating in operational uniforms.
Its charitable dimension supported 14 social initiatives involving healthcare, medical research, inclusion and international cooperation.
For El Asri, the victory represents another step toward competing at higher international levels. For Soler, it confirms a sustained record of excellence in one of Barcelona’s most recognizable races.
The event’s significance, however, extends beyond winning times. It demonstrates how professional competition, community participation and public-service traditions can coexist within a major urban sporting celebration.
The Story Continues Beyond the Headlines.