The official date hasn’t been announced yet, but all signs point to early December once again for the 2026 edition of the Valencia Marathon. As one of Europe’s fastest-growing races, the event continues to attract thousands of runners from around the world. In this article, we break down the most likely date for the 2026 race based on historical patterns, what kind of weather runners can expect, and whether Valencia is finally ready to join the elite group of World Marathon Majors. You’ll also find useful links to the 2025 race dates, bib options, and registration tips.
When will the Valencia Marathon 2026 take place?
While the official date for the 2026 race is yet to be confirmed by organizers, everything suggests that the Valencia Marathon 2026 will take place on Sunday, December 6, 2026.
This forecast is based on the consistent scheduling from past years. Valencia always hosts its marathon on a Sunday in the first week of December. Here’s a look at recent dates:
2020: Sunday, December 6
2021: Sunday, December 5
2022: Sunday, December 4
2023: Sunday, December 3
2024: Sunday, December 1
2025: Sunday, December 7 (officially confirmed)
Interestingly, the 2026 estimate falls on the same day of the week and calendar date as the 2020 edition. While the official announcement will likely come after the 2025 race, this gives runners and travelers a reliable reference for planning ahead.
Registrations for the 2025 marathon and half marathon are now open, and you can read more about the process here. If you’re aiming for 2025 but missed the initial registration, you can still get a bib or join the waiting list and explore other options.
Once the date is roughly in place, the next key question is: what kind of weather can runners expect?
What’s the weather like in Valencia in December?
One of the biggest advantages of running in Valencia is the climate. December typically brings ideal marathon conditions—cool, dry, and stable. Based on historical weather data, runners can expect:
Highs: 16–17°C (60–63°F)
Lows: 7–9°C (44–48°F)
Average temperature: around 13°C (55°F)
Rain: low chances, with only 1–3 rainy days in the month
Daylight hours: around 9 hours, sunrise at ~8:00 AM and sunset near 5:30 PM
This weather profile, combined with a flat and fast course, makes Valencia one of the most attractive options for elite athletes and amateur runners alike. For a more detailed breakdown, you can read this guide to typical weather on Valencia Marathon day.
With the climate in your favor and the course record-breaking fast, the only question left is how high Valencia can go in the global marathon rankings.
Could 2026 bring Valencia closer to becoming a World Marathon Major?
Each edition of the Valencia Marathon reinforces its reputation as a world-class event. Fast times, international participation, flawless logistics, and growing media attention are putting Valencia on the map—and on the radar of the World Marathon Majors.
While not officially part of the WMM series yet, it’s no longer a question of “if” but rather “when.” You can read a full breakdown of Valencia’s path to potentially becoming the sixth Major.
That said, Valencia doesn’t necessarily need to replicate the Major format to succeed. In fact, its independence may be one of its greatest strengths. Here’s why some believe Valencia shouldn’t copy the Majors, and why staying unique might be the smartest move going forward.
