The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich will take place on Sunday December 1st 2024. It is known to be the fourth fastest marathon in the world with a record time of 2:01:48!
The flat course and ideal weather at this time of year, makes this marathon a runner's favourite for achieving a personal best. The event is also a qualifier for the Abbott World Marathon Majors age group rankings, making it a significant race for competitive runners!
We’re beyond excited to be present at this year's race, bringing the ultimate Runna Shakeout run, and post-race fun! In fact, a few members of the Runna Team will be running on race day, so keep your eyes peeled for Runna on the course 👀
Check out more information on our Shakeout event here.
🎒 Valencia Marathon: What should I pack?
Packing for race day is crucial. It's important to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything vital, well in advance of leaving for the start line. Here’s some things to consider:
Running Kit: We suggest wearing your race-day outfit on the morning of your race, in case there aren’t any changing facilities. Top tip: pin your number onto your clothing the night before, so you're prepped and ready to go!
Sports Nutrition: Pack any gels, chews, or snacks you’ve used in training. There will be two spots on the course where Enervit Gels and fruit will handed out, but it's always advised to have your own fuel at hand. Remember it is advised to stick to what you've trained with! There will also be water stations on the course - check out the course map below for more details.
A pre-run layer: It is a good idea to bring an old jumper to the start line to keep warm. Discarded clothing is usually collected and donated to charity at the end. Although it can be bright and sunny in Spain in December, it can be COLD. We suggest brining some warm clothes just incase.
Drop Bag: Pack a warm top, spare socks, blister plasters, and a recovery snack for after the race. Please refer to any communication from the official race organisers for extra information on specifics with dropping your bag pre-race.
Electronics: Remember to charge your phone, watch, and headphones the night before, and download any necessary playlists which will get you through those miles!
🎽 How do I collect my Valencia Marathon race bib?
Race participants can pick up their race kits at the ExpoDeporte Valencia, where the official Expo will be held. International runners are encouraged to book through the official travel partner, Welcome to Valencia, which offers benefits such as late checkout and gifts. Be sure to get yourself down to pick up your race number and soak up the pre-event atmosphere!
Find more information about the Expo from the official race organisers, including how to get there, here.
👀 Should I Run the day before Valencia Marathon?
Some runners find that a short, easy run the day before a race helps shake out the legs and calm the nerves. If this has worked for you in the past, go for it! If not, consider a walk to keep those legs fresh, or even some light foam rolling or stretching instead.
Pre-race rituals vary from one runner to the next, but luckily for you we have our very own Runna Shakeout event that we'd LOVE for you to join!
Meet us at 8.30am at Mayan Coffees, where Head Coach Ben will lead a super fun and easy paced 5K. We’ll finish up back at the cafe for coffee and an opportunity to meet fellow runners, the Runna team and ask any last minute questions ahead of race day.
All runners and abilities welcome. Sign up and find more information here!
We’d like to encourage all of our runners attending the shakeout run to show their support to the areas affected by recent flooding in Valencia by donating through this donation platform . This money will contribute to rebuilding sports facilities and schools in areas. Together, we can help make a difference for the local community.
🍝 What should I eat on the lead up to Valencia Marathon?
During the week leading up to your race, keep it simple with high-carb, familiar foods like pasta, rice, bread, and potatoes to keep energy up and your stomach happy. Carb-loading can help you feel fuelled without overdoing it: spread your carbs throughout the day and stick with foods you’ve enjoyed in training. Avoid anything too fatty, spicy, or brand new—it’s not the time for surprises! Stay well-hydrated, and skip alcohol for a good night’s sleep. Rest, hydrate, and feel ready to hit the ground running!
We've got some more information on race week nutrition here!
💪 Valencia Marathon: Final preparations & official start times
Once you're packed, fuelled, and hydrated, consider adding a light mobility session to your routine. Stretching can help release any tension and prepare you for a restful sleep before race day.
Make sure to get that alarm set, and we recommend finishing any preparation the night before. The morning will be for fuelling, travelling, and managing that excited/nervous energy!
From the official organisers:
The start will be at 8:15 a.m. and the race will finish by 3:15 p.m.
The maximum official time for finishing the race being 5h:30:00, with this time limit not being exceeded under any circumstances.
The Valencia Marathon is planning to start the race in nine waves in order to improve the comfort and safety of all the runners, based on the order of the accredited times. All participants will receive an email well in advance of the race notifying them of the wave that corresponds to them, which will also be indicated on their bib.
More information here!
🚃 Valencia Marathon: How do I get to the start line?
The start is at Plaça de la Marató, near the City of Arts and Sciences, with public transport being your best bet since roads will be closed.
Plan to arrive with plenty of time before your wave starts—this gives you time to hit the toilets, settle those pre-race jitters, get your Runna app up and ready, and of course, soak in the excitement. Check your transport schedules early, and let the energy build as you head to the start!
🗺 Valencia Marathon: Where will I be running?
The course is an exciting, fast loop perfect for hitting a PB! Starting at Plaça de la Marató, the route takes you through Valencia’s iconic spots, including the City of Arts and Sciences and historic downtown area, with views of the Mediterranean. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of cheering stations, water stops, and medical support. The finish is epic—a blue-carpeted walkway over water in the City of Arts and Sciences, back right where you started. It’s not just a race; it’s a scenic tour of Valencia’s best!
The official app provides live tracking and updates, so get friends and family to download it! Whether they're supporting in person or from across waters, they'll be able to see your progress!
Take a look at this year's course!
Valencia Ciudad del Running
🐌 Valencia Marathon: How should I pace myself on race day?
You’ll have the opportunity to fully utilise the race day workout provided by Runna. Expect pacing alerts and audio cues similar to those during your training runs, helping you stay on track. Pacing can be tricky with the excitement of the start line. To avoid going out too fast, practice your race-day routine during your shakeout run. Download your playlists, set up Runna for pace or RPE cues, and ensure your devices are fully charged.
With a flat course, we suggest starting off at a comfortable pace with the aim of a negative split if possible once you've hit that halfway mark. The support along the route is incredible, and you'll truly enjoy the experience! Try not to worry about what other runners are doing, focus on your race, and listen to the crowds who will be rooting for you the whole way round.
Here are a few more tips on marathon pacing for you too!
🛰️ Valencia Marathon: How should I navigate GPS issues on the day?
With so many runners, GPS signals can sometimes be spotty. Stick to your usual method of recording your runs on Runna, it's a good idea to rely on the pace markers and your own instincts regarding your marathon pace! Be prepared for a possible delay in uploading your race data, if you encounter issues, save your activity and refresh your app when you have a stronger signal or Wi-Fi!
🎖️ Valencia Marathon: What's next after crossing the finish line?
You did it! Now it's time to celebrate! Grab a drink, loosen your shoelaces, and take some time to stretch and enjoy that post-race high.
Best of luck with your Maratón Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Zurich 2024, and most importantly, have fun!
Take in the sights and have the best time - we will be with you every step of the way.
Check out the video below for more of our top tips for race day from our Runna Coaches!