On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the city of València opened the new Plaza Toni Lastra in the Quatre Carreres district as a public tribute to a central figure in local running. The square, located between the Instituto Obrero and Avenida Alcalde de Gisbert Rico and close to the start area of the Maratón Valencia, hosted family members, city officials and leaders from the popular athletics community. The ceremony acknowledged Lastra’s decades-long work promoting grassroots sport, his role co-founding the Sociedad Deportiva Correcaminos, and his influence on turning the marathon into an internationally recognised event. Officials emphasised legacy and social cohesion as key reasons for the dedication.
Lastra’s impact on grassroots running and the Marathon
Toni Lastra is remembered as a driving force behind the growth of popular athletics in València. As co-founder of the Sociedad Deportiva Correcaminos, he helped build an organized network for recreational runners that fed into competitive events and community programmes. His efforts supported the expansion of the Maratón Valencia from a local contest to an internationally ranked race, enhancing infrastructure, volunteer networks and athlete development. City representatives highlighted how Lastra’s initiatives created pathways for thousands of amateur runners and bolstered Valencia’s reputation as a hub for running, encouraging participation across ages and backgrounds and strengthening local sporting culture.
Ceremony and civic recognition
The inauguration included speeches by the sports councillor Rocío Gil, appearances from family and figures such as Paco Borao, and the presentation of commemorative plaques, ending with an official group photograph in the new plaza. Organisers framed the dedication as both a personal tribute and a civic affirmation of sport’s role in community building.
For more updates on local sports heritage and upcoming events, follow municipal channels and local running groups for schedules and coverage.
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.
