The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich 2026 has implemented a new registration system designed to ensure equal opportunities for all runners and prevent platform overload that characterized previous editions. In this guide, we explain step-by-step how to register for one of Spain’s most important marathons in 2026.
2026 Registration System: Two Main Phases
The registration process is divided into two main phases: a preferential phase for loyalty runners and a ballot system for remaining participants. This structure allows up to 35,000 runners to participate in the 2026 edition.
Phase 1: Preferential Loyalty Registration (December 11-15, 2025)
Runners who registered for the Valencia Marathon 2025 and maintain their active registration have priority access to bibs for 2026.
Requirements for accessing this phase:
Have an active registration for the 2025 edition, regardless of whether you collected your bib at the Expo or actually participated in the race. Not have requested cancellation due to injury, change of holder, or refund.
Duration: From December 11 to December 15, 2025 (4 days exclusive).
Key advantage: Loyalty runners can secure their spot without participating in the lottery, guaranteeing their participation in 2026.
If you do not complete your registration during these 4 days, you will lose guaranteed priority and must compete in the general ballot with other applicants.
Phase 2: General Ballot Registration (From December 16, 2025)
After the loyalty period closes, registration will open for the general ballot, allowing runners without a 2025 bib to participate.
Ballot registration dates:
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Ballot registration opens | December 16, 2025 |
| Ballot registration closes | January 7, 2026 (11:00 a.m.) |
| Ballot draw date | To be confirmed |
| Results sent to runners | To be confirmed |
| Period to complete registration | 12 days after notification |
Ballot characteristics:
The draw will be conducted before a notary, guaranteeing transparency and fairness in bib allocation. All registrations will have equal chances of being selected, regardless of when you register during the application period.
Registration Requirements
To participate in either phase, you will need to provide the following personal information:
National ID or passport number
Date of birth
Active email address
Full name
Important: Once registration is completed, these details cannot be modified later. This measure protects the integrity of the process by preventing selected runners from transferring their bibs to other people.
Information About Bank Card Retention
To participate in the Valencia Marathon 2026 ballot, although registration is completely free, you will need to provide an active bank card.
Retention details:
During ballot registration, the organization will place a temporary hold of €5 on your credit card. This hold lasts a maximum of 7 days, after which the amount is automatically released, regardless of whether you are selected in the ballot or not.
This measure ensures registration validity without incurring actual costs for participants. If you do not authorize this hold, your registration will not be considered valid.
Individual or Group Registration
The registration process offers flexibility for runners who wish to participate as a group:
Individual registration: You can register alone by providing only your personal details.
Group registration: One person can register up to three participants (couple, family, or group of friends), as long as you provide complete personal details for each. Each participant will receive their own registration number and will have equal chances in the ballot as any other runner.
Important rule: Each participant must have a different email address for group registrations, and only one registration per person is allowed. If the organization detects multiple registrations from the same person, all will be canceled, resulting in disqualification from the ballot.
Confirmation After Ballot Selection
If your registration number is selected in the ballot, you will receive an email notification with a personalized link to complete your final registration.
Deadlines after selection:
You will have 12 days from the notification to complete payment and confirm your participation in the Valencia Marathon 2026. If you do not complete this step within the established timeframe, you will lose your guaranteed spot, which will be reassigned to the official waiting list.
Waiting List
Spots that are not confirmed during the 12-day period will be assigned, in registration order, to runners on the official waiting list, until the maximum quota of 35,000 bibs is filled.
Advantages of the New Registration System
This mixed registration model offers several advantages over the previous system:
Equal opportunities: Unlike the previous system where bibs sold out in minutes, now all runners have equal chances regardless of their connection speed.
No platform saturation: The ballot prevents the server crashes that characterized previous editions.
Transparent validation: Notary involvement in the draw guarantees process integrity.
International compatibility: This model is similar to that used by reference marathons such as Tokyo and London.
Practical Information to Remember
Total bibs available: 35,000
Registration location: Official event website
Registration cost: Free (temporary €5 hold only)
Minimum age: Check event regulations
Nationality: Open to international runners
The Valencia Marathon 2026 has completely modernized its registration process, offering all runners equal opportunities to participate. Whether you are a loyalty runner or want to try your luck in the ballot, the process is clear, transparent, and accessible through the official event website. Make sure you have your documentation ready, an active email address, and a bank card to successfully complete your registration.
