Days
Hours
Min
Sec
The Valencia Marathon is a prestigious Platinum Label race famous for its lightning-fast course and stunning finish at the avant-garde City of Arts and Sciences.
Course Highlights
The Valencia Marathon course is world-renowned for being pancake-flat and exceptionally fast, making it a top destination for personal records. Starting at the Plaça de la Marató, runners cross the Pont de Montolivet before embarking on a single-loop journey through the city’s wide avenues and historic heart. Key landmarks include the Mestalla Stadium, the medieval Torres de Serranos, and the bustling Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The spectacular climax occurs at the City of Arts and Sciences, where participants run across a unique blue-carpeted walkway suspended over the water to reach the finish line.
Why Runners Love It
What sets the Valencia Marathon apart is its reputation as the ‘City of Running,’ offering the fourth-fastest course in the world. Runners are drawn to the near-perfect December climate, with temperatures typically between 12°C and 17°C, and the vibrant atmosphere created by over 30,000 participants and thousands of spectators. The architectural backdrop of Santiago Calatrava’s futuristic buildings provides an incomparable setting, while the high-speed circuit and electric crowd support make it a favorite for both elite athletes and ambitious amateurs seeking their best possible time.
Race Details
- Location: Valencia, Spain
- Distances: Marathon
- Next Race Date: 2026-12-06
- Start Time: 08:15
Race Weekend Tips
Runners should arrive at least two days early to visit the Expo, held within the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. Accommodation near the 9km-long Turia Gardens is highly recommended, as the park offers a perfect traffic-free environment for pre-race shakeout runs. On race morning, the start area is well-served by shuttles and taxis, but the finish area can become very congested. It is wise to arrange a specific meeting point with supporters, such as the Palau de les Arts, to avoid post-race confusion.
History & Charity
Founded in 1981 by the SD Correcaminos running club, the Valencia Marathon has evolved from a local race into one of the world’s premier marathons. Over four decades, it has achieved World Athletics Platinum Label status, reflecting its elite organization and competitive field. The race frequently partners with major charities; in recent years, it has supported organizations like Médecins du Monde and the Elena Tertre Foundation, raising significant funds through runner donations and organizer contributions to support global health and pediatric cancer research.
Valencia, Valencia 46013 Spain
The Valencia Marathon is a prestigious Platinum Label race famous for its lightning-fast course and stunning finish at the avant-garde City of Arts and Sciences.
Course Highlights
The Valencia Marathon course is world-renowned for being pancake-flat and exceptionally fast, making it a top destination for personal records. Starting at the Plaça de la Marató, runners cross the Pont de Montolivet before embarking on a single-loop journey through the city’s wide avenues and historic heart. Key landmarks include the Mestalla Stadium, the medieval Torres de Serranos, and the bustling Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The spectacular climax occurs at the City of Arts and Sciences, where participants run across a unique blue-carpeted walkway suspended over the water to reach the finish line.
Why Runners Love It
What sets the Valencia Marathon apart is its reputation as the ‘City of Running,’ offering the fourth-fastest course in the world. Runners are drawn to the near-perfect December climate, with temperatures typically between 12°C and 17°C, and the vibrant atmosphere created by over 30,000 participants and thousands of spectators. The architectural backdrop of Santiago Calatrava’s futuristic buildings provides an incomparable setting, while the high-speed circuit and electric crowd support make it a favorite for both elite athletes and ambitious amateurs seeking their best possible time.
Race Details
- Location: Valencia, Spain
- Distances: Marathon
- Next Race Date: 2026-12-06
- Start Time: 08:15
Race Weekend Tips
Runners should arrive at least two days early to visit the Expo, held within the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. Accommodation near the 9km-long Turia Gardens is highly recommended, as the park offers a perfect traffic-free environment for pre-race shakeout runs. On race morning, the start area is well-served by shuttles and taxis, but the finish area can become very congested. It is wise to arrange a specific meeting point with supporters, such as the Palau de les Arts, to avoid post-race confusion.
History & Charity
Founded in 1981 by the SD Correcaminos running club, the Valencia Marathon has evolved from a local race into one of the world’s premier marathons. Over four decades, it has achieved World Athletics Platinum Label status, reflecting its elite organization and competitive field. The race frequently partners with major charities; in recent years, it has supported organizations like Médecins du Monde and the Elena Tertre Foundation, raising significant funds through runner donations and organizer contributions to support global health and pediatric cancer research.