On November 10, the Turia Gardens will host one of the most anticipated events for Valencia Marathon participants: the Long Run New Balance. Although it’s not a race and has no competitive element, this assisted training session has become the final trial before the official race day. With no rankings or trophies, but fully organized support including hydration, entertainment, and official marathon pacers, the Long Run is the ultimate test to check pace and evaluate training progress. Here’s everything you need to know about this special event.
What is the Long Run for the Valencia Marathon?
The Long Run is a specially organized long-distance training session for runners registered in the Valencia Marathon. Designed as a non-competitive way to assess physical readiness, this assisted run lets athletes get ready for the December 1 race. The course is mapped in the Turia Gardens, covering a total distance of 30 kilometers, divided into laps with multiple hydration stops and entertainment points. This training also provides an opportunity to practice pacing strategies in groups and adjust to the effort required for a full marathon.
Date and Location for the 2024 Long Run
The event will take place on Sunday, November 10, at 8:15 a.m. (with gathering time at 8:00 a.m. for organization). The meeting point is the Esplanade in Section IX of the Turia Gardens, located between the Puente de la Exposición and the Puente de las Flores, in the heart of Valencia. Easily accessible by public transportation, this central venue is ideal for participants and logistical arrangements. With a planned course of three or four laps, the event ensures that runners have ample hydration options along the way.
What’s Included with the Long Run New Balance Registration?
To participate in the Long Run, you must be officially registered in the Valencia Marathon and pay a small entry fee of €3. This symbolic fee is fully donated to Unoentrecienmil Foundation, the official charity partner dedicated to childhood cancer research. Registration includes a range of benefits:
- A New Balance T-shirt as a keepsake for all participants.
- Complete hydration and nutrition stations, with gels, isotonic drinks, and water along the route.
- Baggage drop-off for added convenience.
- Live musical entertainment to keep spirits high during the run.
- A well-marked course with visible kilometer markers throughout the course.
This event not only helps participants prepare for the big day but also brings an extra layer of motivation and camaraderie among runners.
Pacing Groups and Official Marathon Pacers for the Long Run
To ensure every participant can train at their preferred pace, the Long Run will include official marathon pacers, who will accompany runners throughout the course. These pacers are experienced runners who maintain consistent speeds, allowing participants to gauge their effort and adjust strategies according to their marathon goal.
For those who prefer to set their own pace, the Long Run also allows for individual running along the same assisted and well-equipped course. Both group runners and those choosing a more personal approach will find options tailored to their needs.
A Charity Event with Unoentrecienmil Foundation
One of the unique aspects of this event is its solidarity component. The €3 entry fee is fully donated to Unoentrecienmil Foundation, the official charity partner of the Valencia Marathon. This organization funds research projects aimed at achieving a complete cure for childhood cancer, adding a valuable cause to the training experience. The Long Run, then, not only serves as a physical preparation but also contributes to a cause beyond sports.
New Balance Experience and Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 Shoe Test
As in previous years, New Balance, the official event sponsor, will provide participants with a unique experience at the Long Run. At the starting zone, runners will have the chance to try out the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14 shoes, available while supplies last. It’s an ideal opportunity for those wanting to test a shoe designed for long distances and experience firsthand its comfort and cushioning before the official race day.
The brand also offers a technical T-shirt for each registrant, a souvenir that adds a special touch to a unique event, further reinforcing its reputation as the official long run for the Valencia Marathon.
Eduardo A. is an SEO expert with over 10 years of experience in digital media and web writing. He has run the Valencia Marathon 12 times, making him an experienced voice in the event, providing valuable insights for both runners and their companions.
