Want to beat your personal marathon record?
Valencia Marathon is the ideal marathon to set your personal best!
Running in Valencia in December offers a unique experience that combines Spanish fervor with an ultra-fast course. Personally, I set my personal record in Valencia in 2024 at 2h32’19, finishing 612th in the race… What a density!
Let’s take a look back at this must-attend event for marathon runners from around the world.
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The rapid rise of the Valencia Marathon to the top
A few years ago, the Valencia Marathon was a confidential regional race. Today, it is part of the very exclusive circle of the fastest marathons in the world. Thanks to impeccable organization, an ultra-fast route, and almost ideal weather conditions in early December (between 10 and 17°C), the Valencia Marathon has carved out a special place in the hearts of amateur and elite runners.
Valencia has capitalized on this notoriety by proclaiming itself “Ciudad del Running” (City of Running). From late November, the streets are dressed in marathon colors. Hotels, restaurants, and shops vibrate to the rhythm of runners from around the world. Everything is designed to welcome them in the best conditions.
A city, a course, a promise of performance
The start of the Valencia Marathon is given in a futuristic setting: the City of Arts and Sciences, Calatrava’s architectural masterpiece, provides a modern setting for this international event. The route, with impressive fluidity, combines long straight lines, passages over the Turia bridges, crossing of modern and ancient neighborhoods, all with a minimum of inclines.
And even the last 2-3 kilometers seem slightly downhill, allowing for a final push if you still have strength and have not hit the marathon wall.
Throughout the course, the atmosphere is festive and warm. Encouragements come in all languages, music groups punctuate the kilometers. This constant support gives wings, even in the toughest moments.
And then, there is the mythical finish of the Valencia Marathon, which many consider the most beautiful finish in the world. The famous blue footbridge, suspended above the water, leads straight to the finish arch in the heart of the City of Arts.
The marathon of personal records
The Valencia Marathon is not just a pleasant marathon: it is the marathon of performance. The numbers speak for themselves: in 2023, more than 5,000 runners finished in under 3 hours, a record number in Europe.
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French participation is massive. In the last edition, 126 French runners finished under 2h30, an impressive number for a marathon outside France. Among French women, over 50 crossed the line in under 3 hours, confirming the appeal of the course for all ambitious profiles.
And beyond these elite times, more than 10,000 runners go under 4 hours, proof that Valencia offers everyone a chance to push themselves to the limit, in a favorable setting for success.
The density of performance at the Valencia Marathon: I was on pace for a 2h28 marathon, and after 5km there was still this density (photo below)!
How to prepare well for the Valencia Marathon
Participating in Valencia is good. Arriving prepared is even better. The fast course and motivating atmosphere are not enough if the preparation is not up to par. Here are some key elements to approach this race in the best conditions.
Build your marathon training plan
A marathon training plan for Valencia should focus on speed and endurance. The goal is not to handle elevation but to learn to run fast and long on flat terrain. It is recommended to include long runs with marathon pace portions, threshold and VMA sessions, as well as muscular strengthening to reduce fatigue at the end of the race.
Because one of the difficulties is that the muscles are solicited similarly throughout the race (while when alternating slight inclines and descents, the leg muscles’ solicitation varies more).
It is also useful to do some preparation races in the fall, such as a half marathon or a 10 km, to adjust your race strategy and target pace.
We invite you to download the RunMotion Coach app, to have your personalized marathon training plan and be able to add intermediate preparation races.
Work on race strategy
The fast start of the Valencia Marathon can trap runners, even the most experienced. The first kilometers are so fast that many start too quickly and hit a wall before the 30th kilometer. It is important to stay disciplined, set your pace from the start, and wait for the right moment to accelerate if the energy is there.
Fortunately, pace setters are available for several reference times (2h30, 2h45, 3h, 3h30, etc.). They can be valuable allies in keeping on track.
Manage hydration and nutrition well
Even if the weather is mild, it is important to stay hydrated. It is essential to drink from the first refreshments, alternating between water and energy drinks. The Valencia Marathon offers well-stocked refreshment stations, but it is advisable to test your nutrition strategy in training beforehand and not to improvise anything on race day.
Extend the experience beyond the finish line
Valencia is not just 42.195 km. It is also a vibrant city, between modernity and tradition. After the race, it is highly recommended to stay one or two days to discover the charms of the city: stroll through the historic center, savor a paella (Valencia’s specialty), or explore the numerous parks and museums.
It is also a good time to relax, recover gently, and share a drink (or two) with other finishers in one of the many bars in the city.
In summary: why run the Valencia Marathon?
The Valencia Marathon is more than just a sporting event. It is a popular celebration, a moment of light in the heart of winter, and a unique opportunity to surpass yourself. Whether you are a runner looking for your first marathon, a speed enthusiast, or a discovery enthusiast, Valencia has everything to seduce you.
So, are you ready to line up at the start of one of the fastest and most inspiring marathons in the world? Prepare seriously, experience each stage of the race to the fullest… and let the magic happen on the famous blue footbridge.
