Valencia Marathon: Your guide to one of the world's fastest 26.2-mile races
If you're seeking a flat and fast, elite-studded 26.2-mile challenge, then you can't go far wrong with the Valencia Marathon.
The last couple of years have seen the fastest times ever on the course, which offers prime PB potential for professional and amateur runners alike. In 2023, Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma completed the race in just 2:01:48 – and, the previous year, his compatriot Amane Beriso beat the women’s record with a time of 2:14:58.
In a bid to entice even more of the world’s top marathoners to Valencia, the race organisers are offering a prize of €1m (around £860,000) to any man or woman who breaks a current world record at the 2024 Valencia Marathon. If you’re not participating, it’ll be one to watch!
What is the Valencia Marathon?
Now known as the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich, the event is one of the biggest and most high profile road marathons in Spain. While the Valencia Marathon isn’t one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, it does hold a Platinum Label from World Athletics – the international governing body's highest level of recognition – for its excellent organisation and cohort of strong participating athletes.
That comes as no surprise when you consider the course’s reputation for being fast and furious. After all, it’s home to three of the top-10 fastest marathon times for men and two of the top-10 times for women, with Valencia’s pancake-flat course being partly to thank for that. The climate is also ideal for a marathon, with temperatures averaging between 12°C and 17°C on race day in December.
In addition to its stand-alone merit, the Valencia Marathon can also be a place to achieve a qualifying spot in other major marathons – such as Boston – as there are no entry criteria.
When is the Valencia Marathon and what time does it start?
This year, the Valencia Marathon will take place on Sunday 1 December. Runners will then set off in a series of waves starting at 8:15am. Waves will be based on runners’ accredited times and set off in intervals of 10 minutes.
Just ahead of race day, you’ll receive confirmation of your wave number via email – it'll be marked on your bib, too.
Note that wheelchair athletes and blind athletes will depart at 8.35am, which is the third wave of the day.
What is the route of the Valencia Marathon?
The race begins in the Plaça de la Marató. The first landmark on the route is the Plaça d’Europa, which you’ll pass before heading down Av. de Balears towards the coast. The course then passes Veles e Vents, also known as America’s Cup Building, which is situated in the harbour.
After a scenic stretch running just above the beach, the route then turns back towards the city. At roughly 10K, the course reaches the field-strewn outskirts, before snaking back toward the centre and then the Vivers Municipals, Valencia’s oldest and most popular park.
After a stretch down Passeig de l’Albereda, the race turns toward the Estadio de Mestalla football stadium, which lies around the 15km mark. After circling back down to the coast, the route leads up Av. del Port to the the halfway point.
The next monument on the list is the Palau de la Música concert hall, situated just before the Museo de Bellas Artes gallery, followed by the Serranos Towers. From there, the route traverses some more city streets before winding through the picturesque Plaça de l’Ajuntament square, which marks 30km. Past the Jardí Botànic gardens, the course heads back toward the outskirts of the city.
The final kilometres take in the Plaça de Bous bullring, Estació del Nord station and Porta de la Mar gate. The race then concludes at the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, which is one of the 12 Treasures of Spain – a suitably grand location for a finish line.
Where is the marathon start line?
The race starts at the Plaça de la Marató, located on the Puente de Monteolivete bridge.
It isn’t recommended that participants to drive to the start area, so your best options are to take the bus, the metro or a bike:
Buses will run on the 35, 95 and 99 lines between 5:30am and 7:30am and will be free of charge for Valencia Marathon participants until 4pm.
The Metro Valencia, the city’s underground, is a good option on race day. The closest stop to the start area is Alameda, located a 20-minute walk away.
The Plaça de la Marató is also accessible by bike, and there is plenty of bike parking in the area.
Where can I drop off my bag before the race?
While the specific location for bag drop has not yet been confirmed, there will be a safe place for you to leave your things at the start area.
Where and when is the race expo? When can I pick up my bib?
The Valencia Marathon expo will be held at Feria Valencia, Av. de les Fires, s/n, Pobles de l'Oest, 46035 València.
It’ll take place on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November, between 9am and 9pm, giving you plenty of time to pick up your bib.
Will there be nutrition and water on the course?
Water stations will be found at the following kilometre marks along the route: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 32, 35, 37.5 and 40.
Gels will also be available at 19km and 29km.
If you don't rush straight off for a cheeky cerveza, you'll also find food and refreshments at the finish area once you've completed your 26.2 miles.
Is there a race cut-off time?
Be warned that, compared to other city races like the London Marathon, there is a relatively short cut-off time for this race – the Valencia Marathon finishes at 3:15pm, meaning the maximum time allowed for the race is 5:30.
How do I defer my place if I’m injured?
Unfortunately, you're unable to defer your place if you’re injured – but you can get a refund of up to 80%.
If you opted for insurance at the time of booking your 2024 place, you can get 80% of what you paid back until 24 November. That drops down to 75% (available until 4 September) if you didn’t purchase insurance and 50% for last-minute cancellations (until 4 November).
You also have the option of changing the name on your bib if you’d rather give your place to someone else. You can do this until 24 November via the registration platform.
How do I enter the 2024 Valencia Marathon?
You can sign up to the marathon on the official website. Be quick, though – places sell like hotcakes every year!
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