Última actualización el 6 de September de 2024 a las 12:04
The year 2020 will be remembered in history for the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which transformed the lives of millions of people worldwide. In March of that year, with many months still ahead, the 30,000 race bibs for the Valencia Marathon were already sold out. Runners were preparing for the big event on December 6, unaware that the near future would bring unexpected changes. The race, marking the 40th anniversary of the Valencia Marathon History, had to adapt to the health situation, and the decisions made by the organizers left no one indifferent. Below, we recap how the events unfolded, from the cancellation of the popular race to the celebration of the Elite Edition.
Cancellation of the Mass Race
On September 7, 2020, the organizers of the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso EDP, made up of SD Correcaminos and the Valencia City Council, announced the cancellation of the 40th edition’s mass race, which was scheduled for December 6. The news was not entirely surprising, given the global context, but it was a hard blow for the 30,000 runners who had already secured their spot.
The organizers had made every effort to find safe ways to hold the event, but the progression of the pandemic and the uncertainty about the near future led them to make the difficult decision to cancel the race. From that moment on, several alternatives were offered to participants:
- Transfer their registration to a guaranteed spot in the 2021 edition, scheduled for December 5.
- Request a full refund of the registration fee, except for voluntary donations made to Save The Children, the charity partner of the year.
- Forgo the refund as a gesture of support for the organization, receiving a preferential registration for the initial price tier in 2021.
- Participate remotely in the 40th Anniversary by running the 4.0 Valencia Marathon anywhere and receiving the Luanvi shirt and commemorative medal at home, along with other benefits that would be announced later.
With these options, the organization sought to offer solutions to runners, adapting to each individual’s needs and circumstances. Although the in-person edition was canceled, the spirit of the marathon remained alive, even if it had to be from afar. This leads us to the next part: the Valencia Marathon Elite Edition.
Valencia Marathon Elite Edition 2020
Despite the cancellation for the general public, on December 6, 2020, a marathon was still held in Valencia, but only for elite athletes. Around 300 professional runners gathered for this special edition, which, under strict security measures, offered a high-level athletic spectacle, keeping the event’s prestige alive.
To minimize the impact on the city and comply with health regulations, the organizers designed a 21-kilometer circuit, which marathon athletes had to complete twice. The start and finish were located at the iconic City of Arts and Sciences, a place that is already an essential part of the event. Public access was restricted to ensure the safety of both the runners and the staff, as well as the local community.
The marathon race began at 8:30 AM, while the half marathon started half an hour earlier, at 8:00 AM. Both events shared much of the course, but at different times, to avoid crowds. The route, designed by the SD Correcaminos course team in collaboration with the Valencia Local Police, was an adaptation of the one used in the 2018 Valencia Half Marathon World Championships, known for its fluidity and ability to host great performances.
The circuit, officially measured by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, required marathon runners to complete two laps before heading to the finish line, with the exciting final descent towards the lake of the Science Museum, a now-legendary ending in the Valencia Marathon.
With such a unique edition, the Valencia Marathon demonstrated its ability to adapt to the most challenging circumstances, and although participation was limited to the elite, the event retained its prestige and essence.
Valencia Marathon 2021: The Road to Normalization
On December 5, 2021, the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso EDP returned with over 16,000 runners eager to restore a sense of normality. However, the event’s organizers implemented several health measures to prevent COVID-19 infections and ensure the participants’ safety. Although the COVID passport and diagnostic tests were not required to participate, runners had to submit a responsible declaration acknowledging the virus during registration.
Safety measures included mandatory mask use at the expo and during the race. Participants were required to wear masks in the waiting area, after crossing the start line, and again at the finish line. Bib collection took place outdoors to ensure proper ventilation and social distancing.
On race day, runners were divided into sectors and waves, with staggered starts separated by 15-minute intervals. All participants wore an identification wristband for access to designated areas, while access for spectators and companions was restricted. Additionally, the marathon eliminated shower and massage services for health reasons, while volunteers at hydration stations wore masks and gloves at all times.
These precautions allowed the Valencia Marathon 2021 to be held safely, marking a significant step towards the normalization of large sporting events.
Mired is a journalist passionate about sports and a critic specialized in large-scale events, who collaborates with our website to offer a unique perspective on the world’s most important races. Known for her ability to spot key details across multiple websites and her deep knowledge of the Valencia Marathon and Half Marathon, Mired combines detailed analysis with a fresh narrative that reflects her expertise, authority, and trustworthiness. Follow her posts to stay up to date with the latest news in the world of running and sports events in Valencia.
