Following the confirmation that the race will take place on December 1st, the Valencia Marathon has announced a solidarity initiative to support the areas affected by the floods of October 29th. For every runner who crosses the finish line, the organization will donate €3, making this event more than just a sporting event: a gesture of hope and aid to a city in recovery. This effort is accompanied by two additional fundraising channels that involve sponsors and the general public, aimed at rebuilding sports facilities and schools in the affected towns.
Here, we share all the details about this emotional initiative, the key role of runners and sponsors, and how this year’s edition will set a record beyond sports.
A Race to Embrace a Wounded City
The Valencia Marathon 2024 will be, in the words of its organizers, “an embrace to a wounded city.” After weeks of uncertainty, confirmation of the race has brought a clear message of solidarity. Valencia, still recovering from the devastating floods, will see how this event becomes a symbol of support for the affected families and a promise of reconstruction for the neighborhoods and towns south of the city.
With an expected participation of 35,000 runners, 60% of whom are coming from abroad, the city is gearing up to welcome thousands of visitors, many of whom were waiting for roads and train services to be restored to travel as planned.
Three Channels of Solidarity for Reconstruction
The Marathon’s organizers have outlined three ways to raise funds that will be dedicated to rebuilding sports schools and facilities affected by the disaster:
- Per-runner donation: The organization will donate €3 for every participant who crosses the finish line. If the finisher rate approaches 100%, the total donation could exceed €100,000.
- Support from sponsors: The event sponsors will also contribute a significant amount, although the exact figure has not been disclosed.
- Dorsal Cero (Solidarity Bib): An open platform accessible to everyone, runners or not, which has already raised more than €3,500 within hours of its launch.
These initiatives turn the event into a tool for channeling the solidarity of a united community in the face of adversity.
The Solidarity Bib: A Tool for Support
The Valencia Marathon has created the Dorsal Cero initiative as a way to channel the generosity of those wishing to contribute to the cause. All proceeds from this initiative will be fully allocated to the reconstruction of sports facilities, the promotion of grassroots sports, and meeting the basic needs of those affected by the DANA storm.
This platform allows both runners and the general public to take part in the fundraising efforts, joining the collective mission to support the most affected communities. Since its launch, the initiative has already raised over €3,500 and continues to grow thanks to everyone’s commitment.
Runners, Sponsors, and the Record of Hope
“The only record we want to break this year is the record of solidarity,” the organizers have stated. This approach places less emphasis on the usual anticipation for time records or the list of international stars participating in the race, although top Spanish athletes such as Carlos Mayo and Laura Luengo have already confirmed their attendance.
The support from sponsors and the enthusiasm of the runners will be essential to achieving a level of fundraising that will help restore the community’s destroyed sports and educational spaces. This act, beyond competition, reflects the spirit of the Valencia Marathon and its ability to unite sports and solidarity.
This year’s edition will serve as a reminder that sports can go far beyond the finish line. And if you’d like to learn more about the course details or the participation of national athletes, we invite you to explore further on our website.
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.
