Última actualización el 13 de January de 2025 a las 08:22
The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich 2024 has pledged over €1,000,000 through its solidarity initiative ‘Valencia Runs for Valencia’, aimed at assisting communities and individuals impacted by the DANA storms of October 29. This support focuses on rebuilding critical infrastructure and helping affected areas return to normalcy.
Donations have been collected through three main channels. The first came from the event’s organizers, who committed to donating €3 for every runner crossing the finish line on December 1. With 28,590 finishers, the initial sum of €85,770 was increased to €227,000 thanks to additional contributions from SD Correcaminos.
Contributions from Runners and Sponsors
The second source of funding came from donations made by participants and supporters through the zero bib initiative. This platform enabled individual contributions, including transfers from running clubs worldwide and event tour operators, raising a total of €205,000.
Finally, New Balance, the Valencia Marathon’s main sponsor, pledged over €600,000 to the cause, showcasing their dedication to the Valencia community.
Highlighted donations and their impact
Additional notable contributions include €15,062 from HOSBEC, representing the hospitality sector, and €28,590 donated by Patatas Meléndez (€1 per finisher). Other contributions included €4,000 from the ‘Shops Also Run’ campaign and €3,000 from the Fallas Running awards, all redirected to the solidarity fund.
Funds already supporting communities and Sports Clubs
Part of the donations has already been distributed to aid the recovery of sports and educational facilities. For instance, the Valencian Athletics Federation received €62,000 to support clubs in Algemesí, Torrent, Catarroja, and Picassent, while clubs in Aldaia and Benetússer received a combined total of €7,000.
The CEIP Lluís Vives school in Massanassa received over €4,800 to replace sports equipment lost when the school building collapsed. In Llombai and Requena, €60,000 and €12,000 were allocated, respectively, for track renovations. Additionally, €237,000 has been earmarked for a complete overhaul of Torrent’s athletics track.
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New Balance’s commitment to Guadassuar
One of the most significant donations comes from New Balance, which is dedicating €560,000 to fully rebuild the athletics track in Guadassuar. The brand has also contributed €40,000 to Bombers pel Món, further supporting Valencia’s recovery efforts.
A marathon with impact beyond sport
Juan Manuel Botella, General Director of the Valencia Marathon, highlighted the significance of this year’s event: “This 44th edition proves that sport can make a real difference. Hosting the marathon not only brought thousands of runners together but also allowed us to extend a helping hand to those in need.”
With aid already in motion and additional funds soon to be allocated, the Valencia Marathon stands out as an event that goes beyond running, fostering meaningful community impact.
