Maratón Valencia
The Lowdown
The 2026 Valencia Marathon used a ballot entry system for the first time, with all 36,000 bibs now allocated. The registration process included a loyalty period (Dec 11–15) for 2025 participants, followed by a public ballot (Dec 16–26), a draw on Jan 12, and a winner registration window through Jan 26. A waiting list remains open for future cancellations. Bib transfers are permitted from February 1, exclusively to runners on the waiting list who did not obtain a ballot spot. The Valencia Marathon is one of Europe's fastest and most prestigious marathon courses, certified by World Athletics and AIMS. First held in 1981, this race has become renowned for its lightning-fast, pancake-flat circuit through the beautiful streets of Valencia, Spain. The course has witnessed numerous world records and European records, making it a favorite destination for elite athletes and runners seeking personal bests or Boston Marathon qualifying times. The race attracts over 30,000 participants from more than 100 countries. The course showcases Valencia's stunning architecture and Mediterranean charm, starting and finishing near the iconic City of Arts and Sciences. Runners traverse wide, smooth boulevards through the historic city center, along tree-lined avenues, and past landmarks like the Turia Gardens. The completely flat profile, combined with Valencia's mild December weather and excellent organization, creates ideal racing conditions. Valencia Marathon is a World Athletics Gold Label road race and an official Boston qualifier.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
World-class event
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Record-Breaking 2025 Valencia Marathon: Jepkosgei Sets Course Record, 5,500+ Sub-3 Hour Finishers
Dec 8, 2025Joyciline Jepkosgei won in a course record 2:14:00 (fourth-fastest women's time ever) while John Korir claimed victory in 2:02:24. The race saw a record 5,500+ sub-3 hour finishers from 30,523 participants.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Landmarks
City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias): A futuristic architectural complex featuring structures like the Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe and the Hemisfèric.
Turia Gardens (Jardín del Turia): A lush, 9-kilometer-long park that was once a riverbed, now transformed into a green space with trails, sports facilities, and ponds.
Plaza del Ayuntamiento: The central town square, surrounded by historic buildings and the Valencia City Hall.
Marina Real Juan Carlos I: A modern marina that hosted the America's Cup, lined with contemporary architecture and waterfront views.
Malvarrosa Beach (Playa de la Malvarrosa):A popular urban beach known for its golden sands and proximity to the city center.
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Valencia, Spain
ES
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Minimum age 18 years
- Valid RFEA/World Athletics compliance for international athletes
- No pets/vehicles except approved wheelchairs
Required Documents
- Govt ID
- Medical Certificate for injury refunds
Entry Methods
- online registration
- charity fundraiser
Cancellation & Refund Policy
75% refund for injuries until 2025-09-07
50% refund for injuries until 2025-11-07
80% refund with Reembolso insurance until 2025-11-30
Maratón Valencia is renowned for its extremely flat, fast course that has produced numerous national and European records and is a World Athletics Gold Label road race.
The course passes iconic landmarks including the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias and finishes on the wide, tree-lined Avenida del Mar/Alameda with excellent spectator viewing.
Race weekend includes a large runners' expo, pre-race pasta party options through local partners, shorter races and kids' events, and a comprehensive race village with massage and recovery zones after the finish.
All finishers receive a technical long-sleeve shirt and a finisher medal; aid stations (water, isotonic, gels) are frequent—about every 2.5–3 km—and official pacers are provided for common goal times, so plan to use Valencia's excellent public transit early on race morning to avoid parking congestion.
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Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
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