BUFF® & the Barcelona Marathon: training tips from professional runner Pau Zamora
Posted on
05/02/2026
This year, BUFF® is proud to be an official sponsor of the Barcelona Marathon, one of the most iconic races in the city and a true highlight of the running calendar.
To help runners get ready for race day, we spoke with Pau Zamora, BUFF® athlete and coach, and a true expert of this race. With 19 marathons completed and 10 editions of the Barcelona Marathon in his legs, Pau shares his experience, practical advice, and personal insights on training, nutrition, gear, and how to enjoy the marathon journey from start to finish.
Whether you’re preparing for your first marathon or chasing a new personal best, his tips will help you approach race day with confidence.
Pau, could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your experience as a coach and marathon runner?
Hi, I’m Pau Zamora, a BUFF® athlete in trail running, MTB and road running. I’ve competed in 10 editions of the Barcelona Marathon and have completed 19 marathons in total, with two finishes under 2:30 and a personal best of 2:29:11.
But beyond times and results, the marathon is a race I truly love for what it represents. It is a deep personal challenge that goes far beyond the stopwatch.
What are the most common mistakes you see when people prepare for a marathon?
Without a doubt, overtraining. I always say that simply arriving at the start line healthy and injury free is already a huge victory.
If someone starts preparing for the Barcelona Marathon now, which key training sessions should they include?
There are a few classic sessions that are essential. Easy 90 minute runs are a great foundation, along with long runs starting at around 20 km and increasing by 2 km each week until you reach 30 to 32 km. Adding interval sessions is also important to help build and control your target race pace.
What nutrition strategy do you recommend for race day?
Race day nutrition actually starts well before race day. The key is the week leading up to the marathon, especially doing a proper carbohydrate load during the final 72 hours. On race morning, keep breakfast light and, most importantly, know how many gels your stomach can handle. As a general rule, I recommend one gel every 50 minutes, and above all, drinking plenty of fluids, ideally with electrolytes.
What accessories or gear do you consider essential for winter training?
In winter, protecting your extremities is crucial, since that’s where you lose most body heat and that directly affects performance. Keeping your head, neck, hands and feet warm makes a big difference.
Which BUFF® products do you prefer to wear on race day?
I’m a big fan of the 5 Panel Cap, but a headband is also a great option depending on conditions.
Which parts of the Barcelona Marathon course are your favorites?
The Sagrada Familia and Torre Glòries sections stand out because of the incredible atmosphere. That said, nothing compares to the final 2 km, when you’re completely exhausted but know you’re going to make it. The crowd lifts you, gives you wings, and it’s impossible not to get goosebumps.
If you could give just one piece of advice to someone running their first marathon, what would it be?
Enjoy the experience and do not start too fast in the first half. The wall at km 30 really does exist. Going out too fast will make the final kilometers much tougher. Drink and eat even if you do not feel thirsty or hungry, because if you don’t, you’ll pay for it at the end.
