Valencia Marathon 2026 – Road Running Event Spain

What to expect in 2026

The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich 2026 will take place on Sunday, 6 December 2026, bringing thousands of runners to Valencia for one of Europe’s major road marathons. Organised by S.D. Correcaminos with the support of Valencia City Council and the Municipal Sports Foundation, the race covers the official marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres on a flat urban course. The event has World Athletics Platinum Label status and is also recognised by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation among Spain’s leading marathon events.

The race is designed around fast running, with a course that starts at Plaça de la Marató and finishes on the spectacular footbridge over the water beside the City of Arts and Sciences. The route passes through major avenues and central Valencia, combining long straight sections with landmarks, entertainment zones and extensive spectator support.

The 2026 edition will be the 46th Valencia Marathon. A maximum of 36,000 public bibs has been established for the race, and the 2026 registration process introduced a loyalty period followed by a ballot for remaining places. Registration is now sold out, with a waiting list used to fill places released by registered runners.

The elite race will again attract international marathoners targeting fast times. The first announced 2026 field includes Yomif Kejelcha, Fotyen Tesfay, defending champions John Korir and Joyciline Jepkosgei, Alexander Mutiso, Dawit Wolde, Nibret Melak, Leul Gebreselassie, Awet Kibrab, Emily Sisson, Lilian Kasait, Aberu Ayana and Alisa Vainio. The organisers stated that the complete international field would be finalised and revealed later in the season.

Match/event dates

The main Valencia Marathon 2026 race will be held on:

Sunday 6 December 2026

The official event listing gives an overall event window of approximately 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., while the regulations specify an 8:15 a.m. first start and a maximum official finishing time of 5 hours 30 minutes from each runner’s crossing of the start line.

The runner-focused programme begins several days earlier with the Expo 42K Feria Valencia. The official 2026 regulations state that bibs, chips and runner bags will be collected exclusively at the Expo.

Thursday 3 December: Expo 42K, 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.

Friday 4 December: Expo 42K, 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Saturday 5 December: Expo 42K, 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Sunday 6 December: Valencia Marathon, with the first wave scheduled for 8:15 a.m. and the final official finish time at 3:15 p.m.

No race bibs or goodie bags are issued on race day, so participants must plan their Expo visit before Sunday.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Stadium & sports venue

The Valencia Marathon is a city road race rather than a stadium-based sporting event. Its main sporting venue is the streets and avenues of Valencia, with the official start and finish forming the two principal event locations.

Start: Plaça de la Marató, Valencia

Finish: Footbridge over the water at the City of Arts and Sciences

Race distance: 42.195 kilometres

The official course is fully urban, asphalt-based and approved by the relevant athletics authorities. It is described by the organisers as a flat, sea-level circuit designed to support fast marathon performances.

The finish at the City of Arts and Sciences is one of the defining features of the race. Runners approach the final section before crossing the blue finishing carpet over the water, creating a distinctive finish-line setting that has become closely associated with the Valencia Marathon.

Full fixture or event schedule

The 2026 marathon programme extends beyond the 42.195-kilometre race itself.

Expo 42K Feria Valencia

The official runner’s expo is where participants collect their race bib, timing chip, runner’s bag and other materials. It also features sports brands, sponsor displays, running products, presentations and activities connected with the marathon.

Elite athlete presentations

The Expo’s La Placeta area hosts presentations and talks connected with the race, including introductions to international and Spanish elite athletes.

Bimbo Valencia Breakfast Run

The day before the marathon, runners from different countries traditionally gather in the Jardí del Túria for a relaxed 5-kilometre training run.

MSC Valencia Mini Marathon

A children’s running event takes place on the Saturday before the marathon, with different distances depending on age category. It provides a family-oriented part of the wider Valencia Marathon programme.

Paella Party La Fallera

The traditional Paella Party brings runners and companions together before race day for one of Valencia’s most recognisable dishes and a social carbohydrate-loading event.

Marathon Sunday

The main race starts with staggered waves from 8:15 a.m. The elite and fastest runners start first, followed by successive waves based on accredited times. The finish remains open until the official time limit is reached.

Medal Party

The official post-race Medal Party takes place on Sunday afternoon, giving finishers and supporters another opportunity to celebrate after the marathon.

Teams, athletes & participants

The Valencia Marathon brings together elite international athletes, professional and sub-elite runners, club athletes, recreational marathoners, first-time marathoners and large numbers of international participants.

The 2026 public field is capped at 36,000 bibs. The previous 2025 edition also had 36,000 registered participants and runners from 150 countries, with 67% of participants coming from outside Spain.

The announced 2026 elite field includes:

• Yomif Kejelcha, Ethiopia
• John Korir, Kenya
• Alexander Mutiso, Kenya
• Dawit Wolde, Ethiopia
• Nibret Melak, Ethiopia
• Leul Gebreselassie, Ethiopia
• Awet Kibrab, Norway
• Fotyen Tesfay, Ethiopia
• Joyciline Jepkosgei, Kenya
• Emily Sisson, United States
• Lilian Kasait, Kenya
• Aberu Ayana, Ethiopia
• Alisa Vainio, Finland
• Ejgayehu Taye, Ethiopia
• Winnie Jepkosgei, Kenya

The 2025 champions John Korir and Joyciline Jepkosgei are returning, while Kejelcha and Tesfay add major international interest to the field. The final elite list was scheduled to be completed later in 2026.

Tournament format & competition structure

The Valencia Marathon is a single 42.195-kilometre road race rather than a multi-round tournament. All registered competitors run the same officially measured marathon course, with results separated into overall, gender, age-group, elite, adapted and other recognised classifications.

The start is divided into nine waves to improve safety and reduce congestion. Wave allocation is based primarily on accredited previous performances.

The 2026 wave structure is:

• 8:15 a.m.: Under 2:50 marathon performance
• 8:25 a.m.: 2:50:00–2:59:59
• 8:35 a.m.: 3:00:00–3:11:59
• 8:45 a.m.: 3:12:00–3:19:59
• 8:55 a.m.: 3:20:00–3:31:59
• 9:05 a.m.: 3:32:00–3:42:59
• 9:15 a.m.: 3:43:00–3:55:59
• 9:25 a.m.: 3:56:00–4:09:59
• 9:35 a.m.: 4:10:00 and slower

Wheelchair athletes start early in the third wave, while visually impaired athletes can start early at the front of their allocated wave.

The official time limit is 5 hours 30 minutes from the moment each participant crosses the start line.

Match/event times

The first marathon wave is scheduled for 8:15 a.m., with additional waves released every 10 minutes until 9:35 a.m. This staggered system allows faster runners to move through the course without the entire field starting simultaneously.

The official race finish deadline is 3:15 p.m. The event listing gives a wider operating window until approximately 3:30 p.m. for overall event operations.

For runners arriving at kilometre 25 after the specified 12:57 p.m. projection, the organisers can require them to surrender their bib and leave the official race or enter the sweeper vehicle because they would exceed the overall course time limit.

Ticket types

For the Valencia Marathon, the principal ticket is the runner’s race registration rather than a conventional spectator ticket. Spectators can watch the race from public streets and cheering areas without purchasing a marathon entry.

The 2026 race has a maximum of 36,000 public bibs.

Standard registration

The first 10,000 bibs were priced at approximately $93.60.

Second registration tranche

Bibs from 10,001 onward were priced at approximately $140.40 in the second tranche.

Final registration tranche and ballot places

The remaining registrations were priced at approximately $210.60.

Waiting-list registration

Places released after cancellations through the official waiting list were priced at approximately $234.00, plus any applicable day-licence requirement.

These USD figures are converted reference amounts from the official 2026 registration prices and are provided because the event is currently sold out. The mandatory day licence for runners without the required federation licence was approximately $5.85.

Ticket release phases

The 2026 Valencia Marathon introduced a loyalty period followed by a public ballot.

Loyalty phase

Runners who had an active 2025 Valencia Marathon registration were given a four-day preferential period to register for 2026. This was designed to give previous registered participants an opportunity to return before the general ballot.

Ballot registration

After the loyalty period, remaining places were offered through a free ballot registration. The 2026 process accepted ballot applications from 16 to 26 December, followed by the draw and notification stages in January.

Registration of ballot winners

Runners selected through the ballot were given a defined period to complete their registration. Unfilled places were then transferred to the waiting list.

Waiting list

Once the 36,000 places were allocated, withdrawals could create new places. These were offered to runners already on the official waiting list, with registration costing approximately $234.00, plus the applicable day licence where required.

VIP & hospitality options

The Valencia Marathon offers a Premium Registration designed for runners who want additional services alongside their race entry.

The Premium package includes the race bib and additional services such as:

• Access to the VIP area for the runner
• Access for a companion
• Official finish-line photograph
• Post-race changing facilities
• Services connected with the wider marathon experience
• Companion participation opportunities in selected parallel activities
• Tourist bus tickets for the runner and companion
• Refund service under the Premium conditions

The official Premium Registration page states that the 2026 Premium Experience is sold out. The organisers do not currently publish the Premium price as text on the page, so no unsupported 2026 price is stated here.

As a previous-edition reference, the 2024 Premium Registration was reported at approximately $351.00, converted from the published previous price of €300. This is historical reference pricing only and should not be treated as the 2026 Premium fee.

Stadium & event rules

The Valencia Marathon has detailed rules covering eligibility, start procedures, timing, bibs, transfers and participant conduct.

Age requirement

Participants must be at least 18 years old on race day.

Course conduct

Participants may not run while accompanied by minors, pets or unauthorised vehicles. Skates, bicycles and other vehicles are prohibited, except for approved wheelchair participation under the event’s adapted rules.

Bib and timing chip

The bib and timing chip are personal and must be used according to the official instructions. Timing controls are positioned along the course, and only runners using the official timing chip are included in the official classification.

Transfers

A legal change of bib holder must be completed through the official registration platform. Informal transfers outside the authorised process are not accepted as a substitute for the official procedure.

Start box

Runners are assigned starting boxes according to the information provided during registration and verified performance information. Changes are subject to official deadlines and availability.

How to get there

Valencia is a major Spanish city with international rail, road and air connections, making it accessible for runners travelling from Spain and abroad.

The race itself takes place in the city centre and eastern parts of Valencia, with the start at Plaça de la Marató and the finish at the City of Arts and Sciences. Participants staying centrally can reach many race-related locations by walking, cycling or public transport.

International runners can also use the event’s official travel services, which provide accommodation and runner-oriented travel arrangements. The marathon organisation specifically recommends its Welcome to Valencia service for international participants.

Public transport & parking

Public transport is particularly useful because numerous central roads are affected by race-day closures and pedestrian restrictions.

Metro and tram

Valencia’s Metrovalencia network provides connections throughout the city. Tram services are also particularly useful for reaching Feria Valencia for the Expo. The official Expo information identifies Tram Line 4 as a connection to the main entrance of Feria Valencia.

Bus

EMT Valencia operates city bus services connecting the main urban districts. The Expo can be reached using EMT Line 62 from Benimamet toward Estació Nord.

Expo parking

Feria Valencia provides approximately 3,000 parking spaces. The official Expo information lists a parking charge based on time, with a maximum amount specified for certain Expo days.

Race-day travel

For race day, runners should allow substantial extra time and rely on public transport where possible. Road closures and the large number of participants and spectators can make driving directly to the start or finish inconvenient.

Accommodation areas

Valencia offers a wide range of accommodation, from central hotels and apartments to properties around the City of Arts and Sciences and near the beach.

Ciutat Vella

The historic centre is useful for visitors who want restaurants, attractions and a lively urban atmosphere within walking distance of many central sections of the marathon route.

City of Arts and Sciences

Accommodation around the City of Arts and Sciences is especially convenient for runners who want to stay close to the spectacular finish area.

Ruzafa

Ruzafa is a popular neighbourhood with restaurants, cafés and accommodation options. It also provides relatively easy access to the central city.

Quatre Carreres

This area is close to the City of Arts and Sciences and can be practical for runners seeking accommodation away from the busiest central streets.

Malvarrosa and Cabanyal

Visitors who want to combine the marathon with a beach stay can consider Valencia’s coastal districts.

The official marathon organisation recommends its Welcome to Valencia travel service for participants, with runner-focused hotel services such as early breakfast and late checkout.

Food & drink at the venue

Nutrition is an important part of the Valencia Marathon experience, both before and during the race.

The organisers provide multiple refreshment stations around the course. Official race nutrition information describes liquid and food refreshment points positioned approximately every five kilometres, together with additional gel points around kilometres 19 and 29.

Refreshment services include water and isotonic drinks, with additional food and fruit available at later stages of the course. A dedicated liquid and solid refreshment area is also provided around the finish.

Participants should nevertheless prepare their own nutrition strategy during training and race day, particularly if they have specific hydration or carbohydrate requirements.

Outside the course, Valencia offers extensive dining options, with paella, Mediterranean cuisine, tapas, seafood, rice dishes and international restaurants available throughout the city.

The Paella Party La Fallera is one of the official parallel events and provides a pre-race gathering for runners and companions.

Accessibility

The Valencia Marathon provides dedicated participation arrangements for athletes with disabilities, including wheelchair, functional disability, sensory disability and intellectual disability categories. Registration for adapted categories is handled through the Valencian adapted sports federation, FESA.

Visually impaired runners who require assistance are entitled to one guide under the official regulations, with the guide’s registration handled through FESA.

Wheelchair athletes start before the main field’s third wave, while visually impaired participants can request an early position at the front of their assigned wave.

The urban nature of the course provides many viewing opportunities for spectators, although race-day crowds and road closures can affect movement around the city. Visitors with mobility requirements should plan their viewing location in advance and allow additional travel time.

Best matches/events to attend

The elite marathon start

The opening minutes are one of the best opportunities to see the international elite field. The fastest men and women are positioned in the early waves, making the start area an important location for spectators interested in the competitive race.

Historic city-centre sections

The course passes through major avenues and central Valencia, giving spectators the opportunity to combine marathon viewing with the city’s architecture and tourist attractions.

The later kilometres

The final stages become particularly important as elite runners fight for positions and recreational runners approach the finish. The city’s cheering stations provide extensive crowd support.

City of Arts and Sciences finish

The finish at the footbridge over the water at the City of Arts and Sciences is the signature location of the race. The blue finishing carpet and futuristic architecture create one of the event’s most recognisable scenes.

Expo 42K

The runner’s expo is worth visiting even for supporters because it combines race administration with running brands, product displays, talks and presentations.

Medal Party

The post-race Medal Party provides an opportunity to continue the celebration after the official race has finished.

Previous year’s highlights

The 2025 Valencia Marathon was the 45th edition and produced one of the most notable results in the race’s history.

John Korir won the men’s race in 2:02:24, while Joyciline Jepkosgei won the women’s race in 2:14:00. Jepkosgei’s time became the fastest women’s marathon performance in the world during 2025 and the fourth-fastest women’s marathon time in history at the time of the result.

Amanal Petros finished second in 2:04:03 and established a German national record. Norway’s Awet Kibrab ran 2:04:24 to set a Norwegian national record on his marathon debut, while Japan’s Suguru Osako ran 2:04:55 for a Japanese national record.

The 2025 edition also produced a major participation milestone, with 30,777 runners recorded as finishers, taking the event beyond 30,000 finishers for the first time. The race featured more than 160 cheering stations along the route, creating support throughout the course.

The 2025 edition’s men’s winner, John Korir, and women’s winner, Joyciline Jepkosgei, are both returning for the 2026 race.

The Valencia Marathon course records remain 2:01:48 for men, set by Sisay Lemma in 2023, and 2:14:00 for women, set by Joyciline Jepkosgei in 2025.

Official tickets

The 2026 Valencia Marathon is currently sold out, with the official waiting list used to allocate places released by registered runners who withdraw. The race has a maximum capacity of 36,000 public bibs.

The official 2026 registration prices were approximately:

• First 10,000 bibs: $93.60
• Second tranche: $140.40
• Final tranche: $210.60
• Ballot places: $210.60
• Waiting-list places: $234.00
• Mandatory day licence where applicable: $5.85

These USD amounts are converted from the official 2026 registration prices and are reference figures for this listing. The actual amount charged depends on the registration category and applicable services.

The official registration platform is the only authorised online distributor for race entries. The organisers specifically warn against buying bibs through unauthorised third-party platforms.

Official Valencia Marathon 2026 (https://www.valenciaciudaddelrunning.com/en/marathon/maraton/)

Official Valencia Marathon registration information (https://www.valenciaciudaddelrunning.com/en/marathon/inscripcion-maraton/)