The Race
| Distance | 42.195 km |
| Course Type | Flat, city streets and coastal road |
| Start | Avenida de Francia, Valencia |
| Finish | Plaça de l'Ajuntament, Valencia |
| Registration | Open entry |
| IAAF Label | Platinum |
| Total Finishers | ~30,000 |
| Avg Race Day Temp | 12-18°C |
| Cutoff Time | 6 hours |
| Course Certification | AIMS / World Athletics certified |
Valencia has become the European marathon destination of choice for runners targeting a personal best. The course is flat - approximately 90 metres of total elevation gain over 42 km - and the December conditions are exceptional: 12-18°C with low humidity and high atmospheric pressure. More world records have been set on this course in recent years than any other in Europe.
The route passes through the City of Arts and Sciences, along the old Turia riverbed (now a 9-kilometre linear park), and through the historic city centre before the finish at Plaça de l\'Ajuntament. The combination of flat terrain, fast conditions, a large pacesetter programme, and the December timing makes this the most scientifically sensible PB attempt available in Europe.
Entry
The Valencia Marathon uses open entry. Registration opens in January or February for the December race on the official website (valenciaciudaddelrunning.com). Entry fees are around €80-100 depending on when you register. Places sell out within hours of opening - sign up for the notification list.
Enter now →Race Weekend
Friday: Arrive in Valencia. Metro from VLC airport to the city centre takes 20 minutes. The historic centre is compact and walkable.
Saturday: Expo and number collection at Palau de les Arts. The expo is enormous and busy; go early. Spend the afternoon in the Turia Gardens (the linear park that runs through the city - flat, 9 km long, perfect pre-race walk). Eat early in Ruzafa.
Sunday (Race Day): Metro or EMT bus to the Avenida de Francia start. The finish at Plaça de l\'Ajuntament is in the city centre; most hotels are within walking distance.
Where to Stay
The historic city centre and the area around the finish at Plaça de l\'Ajuntament. The Eixample neighbourhood south of the centre has good mid-range options. Book early - Valencia marathon weekend is completely sold out months in advance at all price points.
Contemporary five-star in a converted Art Nouveau building near the finish. Spa and pool.
Early 20th-century palace hotel on the Paz pedestrian street, steps from the finish line.
Modern hotel overlooking the Turia Gardens. Pool, gym, and an easy walk to the city centre.
Boutique hotel in two restored 19th-century palaces. Outdoor pool. Close to the finish.
Good-value design hotel in the Ruzafa neighbourhood - Valencia's best food district. Roof terrace.
See & Do
The Turia Gardens - the 9-kilometre linear park created when the Turia river was diverted after the 1957 floods - run through the city from west to east and are the best flat walking route in Valencia. The City of Arts and Sciences at the eastern end (Santiago Calatrava's futuristic complex of opera house, science museum, and aquarium) is 30 minutes walk from the historic centre along the park.
The Central Market (Mercado Central) near the Cathedral is one of the best covered markets in Europe - open Monday to Saturday mornings, with the full range of Valencian produce. The Cathedral itself contains what Valencian tradition identifies as the Holy Grail (a Roman agate cup, authenticated locally).
After the Race
December in Valencia is 14-18°C with reliable sunshine. The coast south to Alicante, the Albufera lagoon, and the hill towns of the interior are all accessible by train or bus from Valencia.
The origin of paella. A flat-bottomed boat across the winter lagoon with the reed cutters working, then lunch at El Palmar - the village where the dish was invented, cooked over orange wood, with socarrat.
Roman theatre, medieval Jewish quarter, and a castle stretching 900 metres along the ridge. The mini-train solves the hill. Arros al forn (oven-baked rice) at La Placa in December.
Two nights in El Palmar. The December lagoon with the flooded paddies and the winter bird population. Paella as it was invented, at 13:00, from an orange-wood fire, with socarrat.
Xativa and its inverted portrait of Philip V, then Alicante's Explanada de Espana - 6 million marble tiles in a wave pattern along the waterfront - in December sun at 16°C.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay near the start or the finish for the Valencia Marathon?
Stay in the historic city centre. The finish at Placa de l'Ajuntament is walkable from most central hotels. The start at Avenida de Francia is accessible by metro.
How far in advance should I book a hotel for the Valencia Marathon?
Book six to eight months in advance. Valencia marathon weekend fills the city completely. Hotels within 1 km of the finish sell out first.
Is there free transport to the Valencia Marathon start?
No dedicated free transport. The start is accessible by EMT bus and metro. Check the race website for current information.
What is the best neighbourhood to stay in for the Valencia Marathon?
The historic city centre near the finish. El Carmen and the Eixample are both walking distance. Ruzafa has the best restaurant density.
When does the Valencia Marathon expo open?
The expo is typically at Palau de les Arts, Friday and Saturday (sometimes Thursday) before race Sunday. Go early - it is very busy.
What is the weather like at the Valencia Marathon?
Early December: 12 to 18°C at race time. Low humidity. This is the primary reason Valencia has become Europe's preferred PB destination.
How do I get from the airport to Valencia?
Metro Line 3 or 5 from Valencia Airport (VLC) to the city centre: approximately 20 minutes. Taxis: 15-20 minutes.
Is there a bag drop at the Valencia Marathon?
Yes. Bag drop at the Avenida de Francia start; bags transported to Placa de l'Ajuntament. Only the official bag is accepted.
Should I bring a throwaway layer to the Valencia Marathon start?
A light layer for the pre-race wait. December mornings in Valencia can feel cool before the sun is up.
How do I get back after the Valencia Marathon?
The finish at Placa de l'Ajuntament is in the city centre. Most hotels are within walking distance. Metro and bus run normally.