The Terrassa Half Marathon is known for its complex topography, featuring constant climbs that make it a true challenge. Leiva, who knows the circuit intimately, emphasized during the presentation that runners must be aware of the varied layout and start conservatively.
“"It is not a very favorable circuit for achieving great times, but if you are aware of the circuit's variety and start a bit more conservatively, you can run very fast in the final part."
The start at parc dels Catalans and the ascent along rambla d’Ègara up to the Estació del Nord (km 2) is the first critical point. Leiva warns that this start is “a double-edged sword” and recommends maintaining a pace ten seconds slower than the target until kilometer four to avoid paying for the effort halfway through the race.
After the initial climb, a favorable downhill section arrives towards avinguda de Jacquard and carretera de Montcada. The athlete indicates that here runners can aim for their target pace, but warns that “we must not get too carried away, because there is still a lot of race left and several climbs.”
The most demanding sections return between kilometer 5.8 and 7 (climb on avinguda de Barcelona) and, especially, the ascent of avinguda del Vallès (km 9 to 12). Leiva believes this last stretch is where “the race can be decided” for the favorites, advising against sudden changes in pace and strong muscular work until kilometer 12.
“"Whoever has been conservative in the first part and has the strength left to climb this section well, will have much to gain and will be able to overtake many people."
The key to the final stretch is energy management. After the out-and-back on avinguda de Béjar, the route becomes very favorable from kilometer 15, passing through Francesc Macià to plaça de l’Aigua. The final descent down the Rambla (km 19.5) is the ideal place for the final sprint, boosted by the atmosphere of the crowd.
