If you’re preparing to run the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso EDP, you’ve likely got your gear ready, but… do you know where to eat to be race-day ready? València is fully invested in its runners, and both the event organizers and local restaurants have teamed up to offer menus specially designed for marathon participants. From the days leading up to race day to post-race recovery, there are plenty of dining options to fuel your body and enjoy the city.
In this guide, we’ll cover restaurants offering special runner-friendly menus, notable culinary events, and hydration stations to ensure you’re well-prepared for the big day. Don’t worry, València has you covered with an excellent gastronomic offer.
Eating Near the Runner’s Expo
For the past few years, the Runner’s Expo has been located at Feria Valencia, a bit outside the city center. If you’re at Feria Valencia on Friday or Saturday before the marathon and looking for food, you’ll find a few interesting options. Inside the venue, you can grab a bite at El Duke, a westernized Chinese restaurant offering dishes like lemon chicken and sweet and sour pork – perfect for something quick and filling. Alternatively, just a four-minute walk away in Terramelar, there’s La Terraseta, a bar with a terrace serving daily specials like squid, rice, or anchovies. However, food choices in this area are generally limited.
Eating Around the Start and Finish Zones of the Marathon
If your accommodation is near the marathon’s start or finish zones, you’ll find a variety of dining options close to the heart of the event. After visiting the City of Arts and Sciences, a central part of the marathon route, there are excellent nearby dining options to explore.
Two major shopping centers, Aqua and El Saler, offer a wide range of restaurants. At Aqua, you can enjoy fresh Italian cuisine at Vapiano or grab a quick bite at 100 Montaditos. Over at El Saler, places like Foster’s Hollywood and UDON offer more substantial meals.
For something more traditional, nearby you’ll find La Pequeña Pastelería de Mamá, a great spot to recharge with a sweet treat or coffee.
Special Menus for Runners: Where to Find the Best Options?
One of the key aspects of marathon preparation is proper nutrition. In the days leading up to the race, loading up on carbohydrates is essential to get your muscles ready for the 42.195 kilometers. Keeping this in mind, many restaurants across the city have created special menus in collaboration with sports nutritionists. These menus are designed both for pre-race meals and for post-race recovery, with dishes aimed at muscle restoration.
Top restaurants participating in this initiative include prestigious names like Quique Dacosta, the Andrés brothers, and Alejandro Platero, as well as venues like Momiji or those from the La Sucursal group. All participating establishments will be clearly marked with Maratón Valencia signage, making them easy to identify.
Notable Restaurants to Enjoy During the Valencia Marathon
The restaurants involved in this initiative range from traditional options to creative and avant-garde proposals, catering to all tastes. Many of these restaurants have also adjusted their schedules to accommodate runners and their companions, offering earlier dinners on Saturday before the race and late lunches on Sunday after the marathon.
For example, at Saona or Sorsi e Morsi, you’ll find dishes rich in carbohydrates, as well as lighter options that are easy on the stomach. If you’re traveling with a group or want a special dining experience after the race, these places offer everything you need to relax and celebrate your marathon accomplishment.
If you’re still unsure where to stay, check out our recommendations on where to stay during the Valencia Marathon. Staying close to the best restaurants and the starting area will help you manage your time more effectively.
The Paella Party: A Must-Attend Event to Fuel Up
The Saturday before the race, runners and their companions have an unmissable event: the Paella Party, organized by the Fundación Trinidad Alfonso. From 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, you can enjoy Valencian paella, the city’s most iconic dish. The best part is that while indulging in this local delicacy, you’ll be stocking up on carbohydrates for the big day.
This event is not only an opportunity to taste local cuisine but also a chance for runners from around the world to meet. If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, take advantage of the free time on Saturday to explore the best plans in Valencia beyond the race, as there is so much to see and do!
During the Race: The Plan to Stay on Top of Your Game
Hydration is key in any marathon, and in Valencia, they’ve got it covered. During the race, strategically located hydration stations will be set up along the route. You’ll find both water and Powerade, the event’s official drink. In total, over 73,000 liters of water and 34,500 liters of Powerade will be available to ensure runners stay hydrated from start to finish.
As for nutrition, the aid stations will also offer fruits and other light snacks to help you replenish your energy without upsetting your stomach.
Additionally, if you’re unsure how to reach the starting point or what schedule to follow, we’ve got all the essential information on the Valencia Marathon’s start times, how to get there, and corral details, so you can stay on track.
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.
