Run through the City of Arts and Sciences, and break records. Valencia, a 42.195km dream
The Valencia Marathon is one of the pinnacles of urban marathons, captivating runners worldwide with its fast and flat course. Held annually in early December, it is a spectacular 42.195km journey starting and finishing at the City of Arts and Sciences, traversing major avenues, the historic city center, and the coastline of Valencia.
The course is almost entirely flat and designed at near sea level, offering ideal conditions for runners aiming for personal bests. The enthusiastic cheers of spectators lining the route and the beautiful cityscape of Valencia provide a powerful push for runners, promising an unforgettable feeling of accomplishment and exhilaration.
Valencia Marathon: A 42.195km journey to chase records
The Valencia Marathon is not just a race. It is an unforgettable adventure through the breathtakingly beautiful cityscape of Valencia. Push your limits with runners from all over the world, write your story, and achieve your personal best.
Course Overview
Starting Point
The emotional journey begins near the Monteolivete Bridge, within the City of Arts and Sciences. Early in the morning, runners lining up at the starting line are greeted by futuristic architecture and a mild climate, hinting at ideal race conditions. Multiple wave starts are employed, with runners starting in groups according to their declared finish times.
Sights along the way
The Valencia Marathon course captivates runners with its flatness and beautiful scenery.
・Early Course：Starting from the City of Arts and Sciences, runners speed through wide avenues. This section is relatively straight and flat, making it ideal for establishing your pace. Enthusiastic spectators line the route, warmly welcoming the runners.
・Historic Center：In the middle of the race, the course passes through Valencia’s historic city center. With historic buildings and beautiful plazas scattered throughout, runners can feel the city’s rich culture as they run. The continuous cheers from the sidelines boost runners’ motivation.
・Coastline：A portion of the course runs along the coast, offering refreshing Mediterranean breezes and open views that invigorate runners. This flat section helps maintain pace towards the final stages.
・Final Stretch：As the finish line approaches, the course returns to the vicinity of the City of Arts and Sciences. This section is also flat, encouraging runners to give their last effort to achieve a personal best.
Finish point
Finish on a spectacular floating walkway within the magnificent grounds of the City of Arts and Sciences! The sense of accomplishment from completing one of the world’s fastest city marathons and the countless cheers awaiting you at the finish line will be the best memories.
Elevation difference and climate
・Elevation difference：The elevation difference of the entire course is very small, with a maximum elevation of 13m and a minimum of 4m. The almost entirely flat course profile provides ideal conditions for achieving personal bests.
・Weather：Valencia, where the race is held in early December, often has ideal weather for running. The average temperature is 10-15°C (50-59°F), and it is usually dry with gentle winds.
Participants’ comments
・ “There’s no other course as flat and easy to run as this. I was able to achieve my personal best!”
・ “The support from the sidelines was incredibly enthusiastic; it felt like the whole city was cheering me on.”
・ “The finish at the City of Arts and Sciences was truly moving and an unforgettable experience.”
・ “The climate was perfect, allowing me to run comfortably until the very end.”
・ “Valencia’s beautiful cityscape and the continuous cheers from the spectators provided the best running experience.”
Strategy
The key to conquering the Valencia Marathon is to maximize the advantage of its flat course with smart pacing. Establish a comfortable rhythm early on, and maintain a steady pace while enjoying the scenery of the historic center and coastline. The climate is often suitable for running, allowing you to perform at your best. Especially important are stamina to run strong until the end and maintaining rhythm on the flat course.
The Valencia Marathon is an ideal 42.195km journey for runners aiming for records. Run through a beautiful city filled with enthusiastic cheers alongside runners from all over the world, and experience the greatest thrill and sense of accomplishment of your life!
2024 Valencia Summary
・Date and time: December 1, 2024
・Number of finishers:-
・Average time:-
MEN
1:Sabastian Kimaru Sawe: 2:02:05
2:Deresa Geleta: 2:02:38
3:Daniel Mateiko: 2:04:24
4:Alphonce Felix Simbu: 2:04:38
5:Tadesse Abraham: 2:04:40
6:Chimdessa Debele: 2:04:44
7:Maru Teferi: 2:04:44
8:Hillary Kipkoech: 2:04:45
9:Samuel Fitwi Sibhatu: 2:04:56
10:Sisay Lemma: 2:04:59
WOMEN
1:Megertu Alemu: 2:16:49
2:Stella Chesang: 2:18:26
3:Tiruye Mesfin: 2:18:35
4:Evaline Chirchir: 2:20:33
5:Majida Maayouf: 2:21:43
6:Chimdesa Kumsa: 2:21:54
7:Laura Luengo: 2:22:31
8:Isobel Batt-Doyle: 2:22:59
9:Moira Stewartova: 2:23:44
10:Sara Hall: 2:23:45
2025 Valencia Marathon
Run through Valencia and surpass yourself. 42.195km will unleash a new you
・Location: City of Arts and Sciences
・Date and time: December 7, 2025
・Start time: 8:15 AM
Valencia: A Mediterranean Gem Woven with Sun and History
Valencia, located on Spain’s eastern coast, is a captivating city where sun, history, and the future harmonize. From ancient Roman heritage to magnificent medieval architecture and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia presents diverse facets that instantly capture the hearts of visitors. Its year-round mild climate and beautiful Mediterranean beaches make this city truly special.
Wandering through the historic old town, visitors are charmed by cobblestone alleys, a Gothic cathedral, and a vibrant central market. In contrast, the City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava, overwhelms with its grand architecture, symbolizing Valencia’s innovative spirit. Here, a science museum, IMAX theater, and aquarium are integrated, offering both education and entertainment.
Known as the birthplace of paella, Valencia is also a culinary capital. Dishes that blend fresh seafood, local vegetables, and traditional recipes delight the palates of all who visit. Furthermore, the Fallas festival, held every March, is a spectacular event registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, where the entire city is adorned with art and fireworks.
Valencia, with its gentle atmosphere, modern appeal, and rich culture, is a place where everyone can find “their own story.” Once you visit, you will be captivated by its charm and will want to return again and again—such a special city.
