Última actualización el 17 de October de 2024 a las 15:22
The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso EDP is one of the most iconic races on the global calendar. It’s not just a 42.195-kilometer race; it’s a full experience that combines sport, culture, and a festive atmosphere in one of Spain’s most vibrant cities. Organized by SD Correcaminos and the City of Valencia, this marathon holds the prestigious Platinum Label from World Athletics, positioning itself as one of the best marathons in the world.
With both the start and finish line located in the spectacular City of Arts and Sciences, runners enjoy a fast and flat course, perfect for those aiming to beat their personal bests. Accompanied by ideal weather conditions, the Valencia Marathon is a citywide celebration, offering activities for all attendees, not just the runners.
Curious about the evolution of this marathon from its beginnings in 1981 to becoming what it is today? Take a look at the History of the Valencia Marathon.
The City of Arts and Sciences: the heart of the marathon
The Valencia Marathon not only stands out for its fast course but also for the stunning surroundings in which it takes place. The City of Arts and Sciences becomes the epicenter of this sporting celebration. This architectural masterpiece is where the marathon’s spirit is felt the strongest, from bib collection to the final steps across the finish line on the iconic water platform. The area also hosts many of the side activities that turn this event into a true sports festival.
A fast and attractive course
One of the main attractions of the Valencia Marathon is its course, designed to be both fast and visually appealing. With a completely flat route and ideal temperatures ranging between 12 and 17 degrees Celsius in November, the conditions are perfect for achieving personal bests. It’s no coincidence that Valencia has established itself as the fourth fastest city in the world for the marathon distance, behind only Berlin, London, and Dubai. The large crowds that line the streets cheering add an extra layer of motivation for all the runners.
This course has witnessed some impressive records and is certainly the ideal place for running enthusiasts who seek speed.
International recognition
The prestige of the Valencia Marathon has not gone unnoticed on a global scale. In 2016, it became the first Spanish marathon to receive the Gold Label Road Race awarded by the IAAF, a title it has maintained year after year. However, the true leap in quality came in 2020, when the marathon was awarded the Platinum Label by World Athletics, a recognition that only a select few races around the world have the honor of holding.
This distinction is a result of impeccable organization and the high level of the event, which attracts top international runners each year.
Records at the Valencia Marathon
The speed of the Valencian course has allowed for historic records to be set. Since 2013, Valencia became the site of the fastest marathon on Spanish soil when Félix Kipkemoi Keny posted a time of 2:07:14. In the 2019 edition, Ethiopian runner Kinde Atanaw Alayew took that record even further, finishing in 2:03:51, positioning Valencia as the fourth fastest city in the world for marathon times. All of this was almost forgotten when in 2023 Sisay Lemma stopped and left the time at an incredible 2:01:48.
It’s not just the men who have set records at this race; the women have also made history. In that same 2019 edition, Ethiopian runner Roza Dereje Bekele broke the women’s record with an impressive time of 2:18:30, solidifying Valencia as a place where records are made to be broken.
To learn more about why this incredible city is known as the Marathon City, don’t miss the article Discover Valencia, the Marathon City.
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.
