Thinking about your next marathon? Here’s why you should choose Valencia

1. It is Spain’s best marathon

There is no need to take our word for it, it is what the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (Real Federación Española de Atletismo — RFEA) says. Since 2015, the RFEA has rated the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso EDP as Spain’s best trial over this distance. The RFEA ranking is based on stringent technical criteria that, among other things, takes into account athletes’ times and records, the organisation of the race, and the quality of services for runners. Furthermore, no less than 98% of runners — that means you — recommend running in Valencia.

2. A dream finish

If you still do not have a mental picture of the finish (where have you been hiding?), just gaze at the above photo. The blue boardwalk spanning the ornamental lake in the magical setting of Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences will make crossing the finishing line a memory to cherish. By the way, what other marathon do you know of that starts from a square that bears your name?

3. A circuit to fly round

The Valencia Marathon has been designed for speed. In 2018, we improved an already amazing circuit, honing it to perfection with no slopes and even fewer curves than the previous circuit. If you want to set a lightning-fast time, look no further than Valencia. In fact, it is the fastest 42km circuit in Spain and is in the world top 10.

4. Runner care

In Valencia, we really push the boat out to make runners feel at home. That is why we cover all the details. For example, there is the Runners’ Bag (full of gifts), then there are the refreshment stands along the route, medical services, medals, running shirts, lockers, free parking, a great pre-race Paella Party — and it is all included in the reasonably-priced entry fee. Who could want for more?

5. Money back if you are injured before the race

The path to the marathon is tough and there is always the chance of injury along the way. If you are unlucky enough to be injured, we will refund your entry fee so long as you submit a properly-completed medical certificate to support your claim.

6. Expo Deporte (Runners’ Fair) and many parallel activities

The Runners’ Fair is held in the heart of The City of Arts and Sciences. Apart from picking up your running bib and bag, you can enjoy the Breakfast Run, Paella Party, Mini Marathon, and many other events all without leaving the city. Everything is close by.

7. Over 200 cheering points

As well as running on a perfect circuit, you will also get a boost from the crowds along the way. Every year, over 200,000 people cheer on runners in the streets. There are 200 support points that will help you fly towards the finish. This is ‘Synergy’ with a capital ‘S’.

8. Runners’ facilities

Those who want to run in Valencia and their companions can take advantage of a host of benefits, such as: discounted flights from KLM airline; RENFE (Spanish State Railways); hotels with late check-out; buses to the start line; special breakfasts. All these goodies and more can be found on the WelcomeToValencia.com web portal.

9. Valencia is the Running City par excellence

The combination of a mild Mediterranean climate, a ‘flat-as-a-pancake’ coastal plain, and a citizenry that is wild about the sport make Valencia heaven for running. The city’s 5km circuit is the envy of runners everywhere. Yet Valencia has a host of areas to enjoy sport throughout the year, thanks to the city’s pleasant average annual temperature of 18 degrees Centigrade. On the marathon weekend, the festive atmosphere makes Valencia the place to be.

10. There is much more to do apart from running

Valencia is also a historic city full of art and culture. Founded by the Romans, it has many iconic buildings, such as the Silk Guildhall (UN Heritage of Mankind), the ‘Modernist’-style (akin to Art Deco/Jugendstil) City Market Hall, and of course the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, which is where the marathon ends. The modern complex is featured in many films. Nature-lovers should visit the City of Arts and Sciences’ Oceanarium and Bio-Park (Bioparc). The Albufera National Park (Parc Natural de l’Albufera) — a wetland paradise with many bird species — lies just 15 kilometres away.

11. Choose your shirt model

In this edition of the Valencia Marathon, you can choose between two models of running shirt (short-sleeved or with straps), with one version for men and another for women. The shirt design is highly original, with a reflective area over the blue boardwalk motif. However, this brilliant running shirt can only be snapped up by those swift enough to enter for the marathon by June 30.

12. A wristband bursting with special offers and discounts

All marathon runners will receive an exclusive wristband offering a host of benefits in the city. To start with, it is the key to the Paella Party (paella is the region’s famed rice dish, and is accompanied by a beverage and dessert), and to the Start Boxes. You will also use it to get your medal. Its usefulness does not end there, for both runners and their companions can get many discounts on tickets in The City of Arts and Sciences, and for visits to: Sant Nicolau Church (also known as ‘Spain’s Cistine Chapel’); Albufera National Park; the Bio-Park (Bioparc). A host of restaurants, bars, museums, and shops also have special deals for those sporting the wristband.

13. A parallel 10km race to enjoy the running party

The 10km race will run in parallel with the marathon on December 1. The 10km trial will share the same start and finish but follow a different route. The trial is ideal for those who do not feel up to running 42 kilometres but want to make the most of the day’s unique atmosphere in Valencia la Ciudad del Running.