An outbreak of African swine fever in Barcelona’s surrounding natural parks has forced the cancellation or postponement of more than a dozen popular mountain and trail running events. The restrictions, implemented by the Government of Catalonia, are designed to prevent the spread of the virus from wild boar to domestic pig farms. Consequently, this public health measure has significantly disrupted the regional sporting calendar.
Race organisers have been caught in the middle of the public health measures, which include an explicit ban on organised group activities within a 20-kilometre radius of the outbreak’s origin. Therefore, many are now issuing refunds to runners or rescheduling events for later in the year, facing significant uncertainty and financial loss.
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African Swine Fever Barcelona: Indefinite Restrictions Imposed
The measures follow the detection of the virus in the wild boar population in Bellaterra, near the campus of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). In response, the Generalitat de Catalunya has established strict protection and surveillance zones. According to the official resolution, these containment orders will last for an “indeterminate time” and will not be lifted until at least two months have passed without any new positive cases being detected. This outbreak occurs amidst the government’s plan to halve the wild boar population due to overpopulation concerns. The latest figures confirmed 47 wild boar fatalities from the virus. The response to African swine fever in Barcelona is impacting all organised activity in the region’s forests.
African Swine Fever Barcelona: Widespread Cancellations
At least 15 trail races have been affected so far. Some, like the Neorural race in Santa Maria de Martorelles and the Llanera Trail near Sabadell, have been cancelled entirely for this season. The Unió Excursionista de Sabadell, organisers of the Llanera Trail, cited the “uncertainty” and lack of a “clear forecast on the end of the restrictions” as reasons for their decision.
Other major events have been postponed in the hope that restrictions will be lifted. For example, the Sant Mateu Xtrail has been moved from January to March, while the Cinc Cims race has been rescheduled from January to a provisional date in April. Meanwhile, a few organisers have adapted by redesigning their courses to avoid forested areas altogether, shifting to semi-urban routes.
Organisers and Runners Face Uncertainty
The sudden ban has created significant challenges for the running community and event organisers. Some races, like the veteran Collserola event organised by the Centre Excursionista de Catalunya (CEC), have incurred sunk costs from booking services. In addition, they have even had to return public subsidies due to the suspension.
For thousands of registered runners, the cancellations are a major disruption to their training and competition schedules. While most organisers are offering refunds or the option to carry over entries to a future date, the ongoing situation means at least six more races scheduled in the coming weeks remain under threat of suspension. For further information on animal disease outbreaks, you can refer to the World Organisation for Animal Health.
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