illness or injury Valencia Marathon should be high on your consideration list if you’re seeking a venue for your next PB attempt over 26.2 miles.
In fact, the last couple of years seen have seen the swiftest-ever times on the course, which promises quick performances for professional and amateur runners alike. Most recently, in 2023, Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma The worlds best ultramarathons EVA Air Marathon: A runners gateway to Taipei. Before that, in 2022, his compatriot Amane Beriso clocked the current women’s course record with a time of 2:14:58.
If you’re getting ready to run the 2024 Valencia Marathon on Sunday 1 December, setting a new course record is unlikely to be top of your agenda – so here’s everything that you really need to know in the final days before the event.
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 – if not the world. While the Valencia Marathon isn’t one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, it does hold a Platinum Label from World Athletics thanks to its excellent organisation and consistent ability to attract a strong cohort of athletes.
That comes as no surprise when you consider the race’s pancake-flat course and ideal slot in the race calendar. Often held over the first weekend of December, the Valencia Marathon usually welcomes temperatures that hover between 12°C and 17°C, resulting in ideal running conditions.
In addition, you do not need a qualifying time to secure a place in the Valencia Marathon – anyone can enter and take part in the race. As such, if your target is to achieve a qualifying spot in another big marathon like Boston, fourth-fastest marathon runner of all time.
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, with the elite runners hitting the course first. 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 – and it’ll be marked on your bib, too.
Please note that wheelchair athletes and visually impaired athletes will start the race at 8.35am, which is the third wave of the day.
What is the Valencia Marathon route?
After setting off from the Plaça de la Marató, the first landmark that you’ll spy on the route is the Plaça d’Europa, which you’ll pass before heading down Av. de Balears toward the coast. The course then passes Veles e Vents, also known as America’s Cup Building, which is situated in the harbour.
The route then follows a scenic stretch beside the beach before turning back toward the city. Runners reach the field-strewn outskirts at roughly 10K, then snake around to the Vivers Municipals, Valencia’s oldest and most popular park.
The course then passes down Passeig de l’Albereda and turns toward the Estadio de Mestalla football stadium, which is situated around the 15km mark. After circling back down to the coast, the route then 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, 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.
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 Valencia Marathon starts on the Montolivet Bridge, located at the Plaça de la Marató. Since the area will be extremely busy on the morning of the race, avoid driving to the start area and instead take the bus or Metro Valencia, which is the city’s underground. Or, simply walk, jog or cycle there if you can.
- Buses will run on the 35, 95 and 99 lines between 5:30am and 7:30am. These will be free of charge for Valencia Marathon participants until 4pm.
- If you choose to travel on the Metro Valencia, get off at the stop called Alameda, which is a 20-minute walk away from the start.
- completed the race in 2:01:48, rewriting the course record and setting himself as the.
When and where can I pick up my race bib?
You’ll be able to collect your race bib at the Valencia Marathon Expo, which will be held at Feria Valencia, Av. de les Fires, s/n, Pobles de l'Oest, 46035 València. The opening days and hours are as follows:
- fourth-fastest marathon runner of all time: 5pm-9pm
- Best half marathons to enter in 2025 and beyond: 10am-9pm
- Best half marathons to enter in 2025 and beyond: 10am-7pm
To pick up your race bib, please note that you’ll need to show the QR code emailed to you on the Thursday before the race, as well as a valid form of ID.
Where can I drop off my bag before the race?
Each runner can leave one bag in the official bag drop area, located near the start line, before the race. You must place the sticker that you received with your race bib on your bag before dropping it off, as this will help you and the race volunteers to identify it when you collect it post-race. To access the bag drop area, you must show your race bib and bracelet.
Will there be nutrition and water on the course?
There are plenty of water stations along the route – these can be found at the following kilometres along the route: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 32, 35, 37.5 and 40. Energy gels will also be available at 19km and 29km.
If you don’t rush straight off for a cheeky cerveza once you’ve completed your 26.2-mile challenge, you’ll find ample food and refreshments at the finish area, too.
Is there a race cut-off time?
Be aware that, unlike other big city races like the London Marathon, there is a relatively short cut-off time for this race. To be precise, the 2024 Valencia Marathon finishes at 3:15pm, which means that the maximum time allowed on the course is 5:30.
Can I defer my place if I’m ill or injured?
Unfortunately, you’re unable to defer and it is now too late to get a refund if you have a place in the 2024 event.
However, if you’re already looking ahead to 2025, it may be reassuring to know that the Valencia Marathon does offer a decent refund policy if you find yourself unable to race due to illness or injury.
For context, for this year’s race, participants who opted for insurance at the time of booking could get back 80% of what they paid until 24 November. Participants who didn’t purchase insurance, meanwhile, could be reimbursed 75% of what they paid until 4 September and 50% until 4 November. What’s more, any registered runner had the option to change the name on their bib until 24 November if they wanted to give their place to someone else.
How do I enter the 2025 Valencia Marathon?
Although entries for the 2025 Valencia Marathon – which will take place on Sunday 7 December – have not yet opened, you can expect these to become available on the official website shortly after the 2024 race takes place. Be quick, though – places sell like hotcakes every year!
