It is now official: on December 1st, the city of Valencia will host more than 35,000 runners for one of the most prestigious marathons in the world. Despite recent uncertainty caused by flooding from the recent DANA storm, the restoration of key infrastructure, such as the AVE train line and the A7 highway, and the ongoing setup of the finish line area, suggest that the event will indeed take place. Additionally, other sports events have recently gone ahead in the area, such as the Valencia Basket game and a handball match in Sagunto, supporting the likelihood of the marathon.
“After the storm, the sun always rises.”
A Tribute to DANA Storm Victims at the 2024 Valencia Marathon
The announcement was made through a statement shared on social media:
“Thank you for your patience and heartfelt apologies for the long wait. On December 1st, Valencia awaits you to celebrate a marathon that will be much more than a race. It will be a gesture of support to this wounded city and a promise of recovery. Valencia Marathon will feature three fundraising initiatives for the reconstruction of sports facilities and sports schools in the affected areas:
The organization itself, through its own resources, donating €3 for every runner who crosses the finish line on December 1st.
Contributions from sponsors.
Yours, runners or anyone who wants to join by purchasing a ‘zero bib’ through the donation platform set up for this purpose.”
This year’s race will also serve as a tribute to those affected by the recent DANA, honoring the victims and supporting those impacted by the storm. This special initiative will allow participants to compete while contributing to a meaningful cause, adding a layer of solidarity to the excitement of the race, where thousands of runners come together to celebrate and push their personal limits.
A Unique Opportunity to Break the World Marathon Record
The Valencia Marathon 2024 will bring together a record-breaking 35,000 participants, confirming its status as one of the most attractive events on the international running calendar. Known for its speed, the Valencia course is currently the fourth fastest in the world. In 2022, Ethiopian runner Sisay Lemma set a time of 2:01:48 here, establishing a benchmark for elite runners aiming for new personal bests.
Juan Roig, president of Mercadona and a major supporter of the event, has offered a one-million-euro prize to any athlete who can break the world record in Valencia, which has drawn some of the best runners from around the world. The current men’s world record is held by Kelvin Kiptum at 2:00:35, set in Chicago in 2023, while Tigst Assefa holds the women’s record with a time of 2:11:53, achieved in Berlin. Valencia presents an ideal stage for record-breaking performances and making running history.
