Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Marathon 2026 – Spain

What to expect

The Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Marathon 2026 is one of Spain’s premier long-distance road races and one of the fastest marathon events on the international calendar. Organized by S.D. Correcaminos with the institutional support of Valencia City Council, the race combines a flat, sea-level course with a spectacular finish at the City of Arts and Sciences. The event holds a World Athletics Platinum Label and is included in the international calendars of the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation and the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races.

The race is designed for a wide range of runners, from international elite athletes and professional marathoners to club runners, first-time marathon participants and recreational athletes targeting personal bests. The course is officially measured and marked, while timing controls are positioned throughout the route to produce official classifications.

One of the defining characteristics of the Valencia Marathon is its exceptionally flat course. The organizer describes the route as completely flat and at sea level, with wide avenues, historic city streets and numerous entertainment points. The final approach to the City of Arts and Sciences provides one of the most recognizable finish-line settings in European marathon running.

The event also has a major international following. Valencia has developed a reputation as a destination marathon because runners can combine a serious competitive challenge with a Mediterranean city break, extensive restaurant options and a compact historic center.

For spectators, the race offers opportunities to watch elite athletes alongside thousands of mass-participation runners. More than 160 cheering and entertainment points were reported around the course in the previous edition, helping create an energetic atmosphere throughout the city.

Match/event dates

The Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Marathon 2026 will take place on December 6, 2026.

The official regulations identify the event as the 46th edition of the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich. The race is open to participants aged 18 and above who meet the applicable federation and event requirements.

The official race program also includes the Expo 42K Feria Valencia, where participants collect their race bib, runner’s bag and related materials before competing in the marathon. The organizer does not distribute bibs or goodie bags on race day.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Stadium & sports venue

The Valencia Marathon is an urban road race rather than a stadium-based sporting event. Valencia’s streets, avenues, historic center and waterfront areas form the sporting venue.

The course begins at Plaça de la Marató and finishes on the footbridge over the water beside the City of Arts and Sciences. This spectacular finishing area is one of the race’s most recognizable features and provides a dramatic backdrop for runners crossing the blue finishing carpet.

The marathon course measures 42.195 kilometers and is run on asphalt. It is approved by AIMS and RFEA standards, with kilometer points clearly marked along the route. The flat profile and sea-level setting make the course particularly attractive to athletes targeting fast performances.

Main sporting venue: Valencia’s urban road network

Start area: Plaça de la Marató

Finish area: City of Arts and Sciences footbridge

Runner’s Expo: Feria Valencia, Av. de les Fires, s/n, 46035 València

Feria Valencia serves as the main pre-race exhibition venue, where participants collect their bibs and bags and can visit sports brands, sponsors and event-related activities.

Full fixture or event schedule

The Valencia Marathon is supported by a broader runner and visitor program centered around the Expo 42K Feria Valencia.

Expo 42K: The official runners’ expo provides bib collection, runner-bag collection, sports products, sponsor stands and presentations. It is an important part of the pre-race experience and allows participants to prepare for the marathon before reaching the start area.

Bib and chip collection: Every registered participant must collect their bib-chip and runner’s bag through the official Expo arrangements. A third party can collect materials for a participant when the required authorization has been completed through the Runner’s Area.

Elite presentations: The Expo program includes presentations involving international and national elite athletes, giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about the leading competitors.

Pacing presentations: The event’s program also features information about official pacers and race strategy.

Running talks: Educational sessions can cover subjects such as course strategy, nutrition, training, injury prevention and running preparation.

Charity activities: The marathon maintains a charity program through which runners can make voluntary contributions during registration, while the Z Zurich Foundation also supports charitable initiatives connected with the event.

Main marathon: The 42.195-kilometer road race is the centerpiece of the sporting program.

The exact supporting-event timetable can change, so participants should check the official event program and Runner’s Area for the final schedule.

Teams, athletes & participants

The Valencia Marathon does not use traditional teams or a tournament format. Participants compete individually, although clubs, training groups, charities and corporate teams are strongly represented within the mass field.

The event attracts an elite international field as well as thousands of recreational runners. The organizer has established a maximum capacity of 36,000 bibs for the marathon.

Participants can include:

• International elite marathoners
• Spanish professional and high-level club runners
• Recreational marathon runners
• First-time marathon participants
• Age-group competitors
• Wheelchair athletes
• Athletes with functional, intellectual or sensory disabilities
• Handbike participants
• Charity runners
• International running groups

The elite field is one of the race’s major attractions. Previous editions have featured Olympic and world-level athletes, national record holders and some of the fastest marathoners in the world.

The race’s previous edition demonstrated the depth of its international field, with John Korir winning the men’s race and Joyciline Jepkosgei taking the women’s title. Jepkosgei’s winning performance was recorded as the world’s fastest women’s marathon time of that year, while several other athletes established national records.

Tournament format & competition structure

The Valencia Marathon is a single mass-participation road race governed by World Athletics and RFEA regulations rather than a knockout tournament.

Race distance: 42.195 kilometers

Course type: Certified urban asphalt road course

Starting format: Nine staggered waves

Timing: Electronic chip timing with controls along the route

Categories: Elite, age-group and recognized disability categories

Race classification: Official results are produced using the event timing system and athletics regulations

The nine starting waves are based on accredited or declared performance levels. The fastest group starts first, followed progressively by runners with slower qualifying times. Wheelchair athletes start early within the third wave, while athletes with visual impairments may receive an early start within their corresponding wave.

Runners targeting a finishing time under 3 hours 32 minutes must provide proof of a qualifying recent performance from an approved marathon, half marathon, 15K or 10K race. This system allows the organizer to place faster athletes appropriately and reduce congestion within the field.

The event also features separate classifications and awards for recognized disability categories, making accessibility part of the official competition structure rather than an informal addition.

Match/event times

The official marathon start is scheduled for 8:15 a.m., with the remaining participants released through nine staggered waves.

First wave: 8:15 a.m. for athletes with qualifying times below 2 hours 50 minutes

Second wave: 8:25 a.m. for athletes between 2:50:00 and 2:59:59

Third wave: 8:35 a.m. for athletes between 3:00:00 and 3:11:59

Fourth wave: 8:45 a.m. for athletes between 3:12:00 and 3:19:59

Fifth wave: 8:55 a.m. for athletes between 3:20:00 and 3:31:59

Sixth wave: 9:05 a.m. for athletes between 3:32:00 and 3:42:59

Seventh wave: 9:15 a.m. for athletes between 3:43:00 and 3:55:59

Eighth wave: 9:25 a.m. for athletes between 3:56:00 and 4:09:59

Ninth wave: 9:35 a.m. for athletes with projected times above 4 hours 10 minutes

The official maximum finishing time is 5 hours 30 minutes from the moment an individual runner crosses the start line. The organizer also uses intermediate time controls to ensure runners remain within the required race schedule.

Ticket types

The Valencia Marathon uses participant registration rather than conventional spectator tickets. Spectators can watch the race from public areas around the city, while runners purchase an official marathon bib.

For the 2026 edition, the official published registration structure provides different prices according to the number of bibs already allocated.

Early registration: The first 10,000 bibs were priced at approximately $94.

Standard registration: The remaining places were priced at approximately $211.

Ballot registration: Places awarded through the official draw were also approximately $211.

Waiting-list registration: Places subsequently allocated through the waiting list were priced at approximately $234.

Day license: Runners without an eligible current athletics federation license or Runner Plus Card must pay an additional day-license fee of approximately $6.

The marathon has a maximum capacity of 36,000 bibs. Registration closes once that quota is reached, so the highest registration tier should be treated as the maximum standard entry price rather than assuming that a place will remain available indefinitely.

Ticket release phases

The Valencia Marathon introduced a new registration model for this edition to manage exceptionally high demand and provide a fairer opportunity for runners.

Loyalty period: Participants from the previous edition receive a preferential registration opportunity before the general public.

Ballot: Remaining places are offered through an official draw system. Interested runners submit their details to enter the ballot.

Draw results: Successful applicants are informed through the email address provided during the ballot process.

Winner registration: Runners selected through the ballot must complete their purchase within the specified registration period.

Waiting list: Places not claimed by successful ballot participants are subsequently offered to people on the official waiting list.

The ballot system was introduced specifically to prevent the registration platform from being overwhelmed and to make access to one of Spain’s most sought-after marathons more transparent. The official registration information states that the total marathon quota is 36,000 bibs.

VIP & hospitality options

The Valencia Marathon does not operate like a stadium sport with conventional VIP boxes or spectator hospitality suites. Its premium experience is instead centered on participant services, elite-athlete access, the Expo and optional race services.

Elite experience: International and sub-elite athletes receive dedicated arrangements based on performance standards and organizer approval.

Expo experience: The Expo provides presentations, athlete appearances, sponsor activities and running-related exhibitions.

Race services: Participants can purchase or use additional services associated with the race, including medal engraving and official photography services.

Official travel services: International runners can use the event’s recommended travel resources through the official Welcome to Valencia service, which provides accommodation and travel assistance for race visitors.

No conventional 2026 stadium-style VIP hospitality package is prominently advertised by the organizer, so participants should not assume that a private hospitality suite or spectator lounge is included with registration.

Stadium & event rules

Participants must comply with the official regulations issued by S.D. Correcaminos, Valencia City Council and the applicable athletics authorities.

Age requirement: Participants must be at least 18 years old and satisfy the applicable participation regulations.

Official bib: The race bib and timing chip are personal and must not be altered, transferred or used by another participant.

Complete course: Runners must complete the entire certified route and pass the required timing controls.

Prohibited vehicles: Participants cannot be accompanied by bicycles, motorcycles, skates or other wheeled vehicles. Only officially authorized vehicles may follow the race.

Pets: Participants cannot run accompanied by pets.

Minors: Minors cannot participate in the marathon or be transported alongside a runner during the race.

Medical information: Registered runners must complete the emergency and relevant medical information requested on the back of the bib.

Anti-doping: The race is subject to mandatory anti-doping controls because it forms part of the national and international athletics calendar.

Refreshments: Official hydration stations are positioned at multiple points around the route, with a final liquid and solid refreshment station at the finish.

How to get there

Valencia is well connected by air, rail and road, making it accessible for domestic and international marathon travelers.

By air: Valencia Airport provides domestic and international connections and is located a short distance from the city center.

By train: Valencia Joaquín Sorolla is the city’s principal high-speed railway station, while Estació del Nord provides additional rail connections and is located close to central Valencia.

By metro: Metrovalencia connects the city center, airport and surrounding districts. It is particularly useful for avoiding traffic restrictions associated with the marathon.

By road: Valencia can be reached by major Spanish highways, but driving into the central race area is not recommended during marathon operations.

For participants staying in central Valencia, public transportation is generally more convenient than trying to reach the start by private car. The organizer publishes dedicated race-travel information to help participants plan their journey.

Public transport & parking

Public transportation is one of the most practical ways to reach the marathon area.

Metro and tram: Metrovalencia provides connections across the city and toward Feria Valencia, the location of the runner’s Expo. Tram Line 4 connects the city with the main entrance of Feria Valencia.

EMT buses: EMT Valencia operates extensive bus services throughout the city. Line 62 provides access to Feria Valencia from the Benimamet and Estació Nord areas.

Expo parking: Feria Valencia has approximately 3,000 parking spaces for visitors attending the Expo.

Race-day parking: Parking immediately around the start and finish areas can be difficult because of road closures and event restrictions. Visitors are better advised to park outside the most restricted central areas and continue by public transport.

Participants should check the official race guide and local transport authority for temporary route changes, especially around the start and finish zones.

Accommodation areas

Valencia offers a broad selection of hotels, apartments, hostels and boutique accommodation suitable for marathon visitors.

Ciutat Vella: The historic center is ideal for visitors who want restaurants, cafés, monuments and a lively atmosphere close to the center of the city.

Ruzafa: Ruzafa is a popular neighborhood known for independent restaurants, cafés, bars and a strong local atmosphere.

Eixample: This central district provides numerous hotels and convenient access to shopping, dining and public transport.

City of Arts and Sciences: Staying near the finishing area can make post-race logistics easier and places visitors close to one of Valencia’s most recognizable attractions.

Malvarrosa and the beach area: Beachside accommodation provides a more relaxed Mediterranean setting while remaining connected with the city.

Near Joaquín Sorolla: This area is convenient for visitors arriving by high-speed train and provides straightforward transport links into central Valencia.

International runners can also use the official Welcome to Valencia travel service promoted by the marathon organizer when planning accommodation and travel arrangements.

Food & drink at the venue

The marathon provides extensive hydration support along the course, while Valencia itself offers a strong food culture that makes the city particularly attractive for runners and accompanying visitors.

Official refreshments are distributed at multiple kilometer points along the marathon. The published race regulations specify liquid refreshment stations at approximately kilometers 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 32, 35, 37.5 and 40, followed by a final liquid and solid station at the finish.

Runner’s bag: The participant goodie bag contains a selection of nutrition and recovery-related products supplied by event partners.

Finisher bag: Participants also receive a finisher’s bag after crossing the finish line, containing additional recovery products.

Local cuisine: Visitors can enjoy paella, fideuà, horchata, tapas, seafood, Mediterranean dishes and traditional Valencian specialties throughout the city.

Runners should follow their established nutrition plan before and during the race rather than introducing unfamiliar foods immediately before competing.

Accessibility

Accessibility is incorporated into the official competition structure, with specific registration and classification arrangements for athletes with disabilities.

The official previous-edition results include categories for functional, intellectual and sensory disabilities as well as handbike competitors.

Wheelchair athletes: Wheelchair participants have dedicated registration conditions and specific starting arrangements.

Visual impairments: Athletes with visual impairments can receive an authorized guide under the event’s regulations. The regulations specify that one guide can accompany each athlete who requires one.

Medical services: Medical teams are positioned along the course as well as around the start and finish areas.

Expo access: Feria Valencia is a large exhibition facility designed to accommodate high visitor numbers and participant services.

Spectators with reduced mobility should choose viewing points with good access to public transport and avoid heavily congested areas immediately around the start and finish.

Best matches/events to attend

Although the Valencia Marathon is an individual road race rather than a tournament with separate matches, several parts of the event are particularly worthwhile for spectators.

Elite marathon: The leading international athletes provide the highest level of competition and are often racing at world-class speeds.

Start area: The mass start is one of the most energetic moments, as thousands of runners enter the course in staggered waves.

Historic center: Sections through central Valencia allow spectators to combine marathon viewing with sightseeing.

Waterfront sections: The final part of the course brings runners toward the modern architecture around the City of Arts and Sciences.

Finish line: The finish over the water at the City of Arts and Sciences is the signature spectator moment and one of the most visually impressive marathon finishes in Europe.

Expo 42K: The Expo is worthwhile even for non-runners because it features sports brands, presentations, athlete appearances and event activities.

For spectators planning to see the elite race, choosing a central viewing location and then moving toward the finish is generally more practical than attempting to follow runners continuously.

Previous year’s highlights

The most recent edition produced one of the strongest performances in the event’s history. Joyciline Jepkosgei won the women’s race in 2:14:00, recording the world’s fastest women’s marathon time of that year and becoming the fourth-fastest woman in history according to the organizer.

John Korir won the men’s race in 2:02:24, while Amanal Petros finished second in 2:04:03 and established a German national record. Awet Kibrab recorded 2:04:24 in his marathon debut and established a Norwegian national record, while Japan’s Suguru Osako recorded a national record with 2:04:55.

The edition also produced nine national records among elite athletes and thousands of personal bests. These performances reinforced Valencia’s reputation as one of the world’s premier fast marathon courses.

Participation was another major highlight. More than 30,000 runners completed the race, with the provisional finisher count reaching 30,777, the first time the event had exceeded 30,000 finishers. The organizer also reported more than 160 cheering and entertainment points along the course.

The event’s charitable impact was also significant, with the race’s charity partner receiving a record contribution through runner donations and the Z Zurich Foundation’s finisher-based initiative.

Official tickets

The official marathon registration is handled through the Valencia Marathon’s own registration platform managed by S.D. Correcaminos. The organizer explicitly states that this is the only official and authorized online distributor for race registration and warns runners against purchasing unofficial bibs through third-party platforms.

Official Valencia Marathon website (https://www.valenciaciudaddelrunning.com/en/marathon/maraton/)

Official registration information (https://www.valenciaciudaddelrunning.com/en/marathon/inscripcion-maraton/)

The marathon has a maximum capacity of 36,000 bibs. Because the event is highly sought after, places can sell out and the official waiting-list system may become the only route for runners seeking a place after the main allocation has been exhausted.

The official website also provides information about Runner’s Area services, the course, regulations, Expo 42K, travel arrangements, previous editions and race-day services.

For general inquiries, the official event contact supplied for the marathon is info@valenciaciudaddelrunning.com.