Valencia Marathon

Valencia Marathon course route

The Valencia Marathon is a flat out-and-back starting near the Paseo de la Alameda and finishing at the City of Arts and Sciences, spending several miles in the Turia Gardens and along the Malvarrosa coast. The entire route is one of Europe's easiest and fastest profiles, with no significant hills to break rhythm. Spectators gather at the City of Arts and Sciences finish, along the Turia paths, and at organised cheer zones through the city centre.

Valencia Marathon route map

Official course map — view on race website

Valencia Marathon elevation profile

The Valencia Marathon course is very flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 62 metres of climbing and 67 metres of descent, with a net descent of 5 metres from start to finish.

Entry requirements

Registration is open (no lottery) through valenciaciudaddelrunning.com. However, the race now sells out months in advance given its reputation for fast times. There are separate elite, sub-elite (time-qualifying), and general public categories. The elite and sub-elite categories require documentation of previous marathon or half marathon times, and these runners access designated start corrals positioned behind the official pacemakers. General field runners are seeded by predicted finish time.

Valencia Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

Valencia Marathon 2024: the countdown clock begins. Training series introduction! Target 2:22!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Valencia Marathon elevation profile?

The Valencia Marathon has 62 metres of total climbing and 67 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is very flat, with 5 metres of net descent from start to finish.

Where can I find the Valencia Marathon route map?

This page includes a Valencia Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. The official course map is published at www.valenciaciudaddelrunning.com/en/marathon/official-route-marathon/. The flat out-and-back route follows the Turia Gardens and the Mediterranean coast at Malvarrosa beach.

How long is the Valencia Marathon?

The Valencia Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at the City of Arts and Sciences.

Is the Valencia Marathon flat?

Yes. The Valencia Marathon is very flat with 62 metres of total climbing over 42.195 km (26.2 miles) — a profile that suits runners chasing personal bests or Boston qualifying times.

What time does the Valencia Marathon start?

The 2026 Valencia Marathon starts at 8:30 am local time on Sunday, 6 December 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.valenciaciudaddelrunning.com/en/marathon/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

Why is Valencia Marathon considered one of the faster marathon courses?

The Valencia Trinidad Alfonso EDP Marathon combines an extremely flat course (total climbing under 62 metres), wide smooth roads, cool December temperatures (typically 8–14 °C), and a consistently elite international field that drives competitive pacing from the front. The course has hosted multiple sub-2:02 performances, and several editions have produced among the highest concentrations of sub-2:10 men's finishes recorded at a single marathon.

What is the Valencia Marathon course route?

The course starts near the Paseo de la Alameda in central Valencia and winds through the city before entering the Turia Gardens — a 9-kilometre linear park created in the dried bed of the Turia river, which was diverted after catastrophic flooding in 1957. Runners spend several miles on the smooth paths of this unique urban garden. The route also passes through the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences), one of Spain's most striking modern architectural complexes, before finishing on the Paseo de la Alameda.

When is the Valencia Marathon held and why is December ideal?

Valencia Marathon is held in early December — typically the first Sunday of the month. December timing is deliberate: Mediterranean Valencia has mild winters that avoid both summer heat and winter cold. Stable cool conditions with low wind are common, and the city's location on the Spanish Mediterranean coast means weather is far more predictable than inland European venues. The December date also falls neatly at the end of the Northern Hemisphere autumn training cycle.

How do I register for the Valencia Marathon?

Registration is open (no lottery) through valenciaciudaddelrunning.com. However, the race now sells out months in advance given its reputation for fast times. There are separate elite, sub-elite (time-qualifying), and general public categories. The elite and sub-elite categories require documentation of previous marathon or half marathon times, and these runners access designated start corrals positioned behind the official pacemakers. General field runners are seeded by predicted finish time.

What is the finish atmosphere like in Valencia?

The finish on the Paseo de la Alameda is set up with grandstands, large screens, and a festival atmosphere. Because Valencia attracts an unusually performance-focused field — a significant proportion of general runners are targeting sub-3:00 to sub-3:30 finishes — the post-race crowd skews toward dedicated running enthusiasts. The city of Valencia has fully embraced the marathon as a civic event, and the streets around the finish fill with runners, families, and supporters well into the afternoon.