2026 Valencia Marathon - Dec 6

2026 Valencia Marathon - Dec 6 Countdown

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Race Information

Race2026 Valencia Marathon - Dec 6
CityValencia
Date2026-12-06 at 08:30
Field Size~35,000 runners
Time Limit5 hours 30 min
TimezoneEurope/Madrid
Official SiteSD Correcaminos
RegistrationRegister · 80 EUR

Race Day Weather

Average Temperature12°C / 54°F
Humidity65%
Wind10 km/h
Rain Chance15%
Typical ConditionsCool, dry early-December Mediterranean air, typically 8-16C

What to Prepare: Early-December Valencia sits close to the 10-12C physiological sweet spot for marathon running, with low humidity and light coastal wind. It is one of the best weather windows in Europe for chasing a personal best. Dress light, expect a cool start near the water, and plan to negative-split as the day warms only slightly.

Based on historical averages for race week. Use our Weather Score Calculator and What to Wear Guide for personalized advice.

Wind Impact on Race Day

Wind at 10 km/h can affect your marathon pace by 5-15 seconds per kilometer. Headwinds slow you down exponentially — a 20 km/h wind costs more than twice a 10 km/h wind.

Calculate your wind-adjusted pace →

Course Profile

Course TypePoint-to-point loop
Elevation Gain15m
TerrainRoad
ProfileUltra-flat and at sea level from start to finish, with under 30m of total elevation gain across 42.2km and no hills, bridges or underpasses. Wide avenues and a fast, true road surface make this one of the planet's fastest marathon courses, where the men's record stands at 2:01:48 (Sisay Lemma, 2023) and the women's at 2:14:00 (Joyciline Jepkosgei, 2025). The race starts in the city center and finishes on the blue walkway over the water at the City of Arts and Sciences.
Boston QualifierYes — Check your BQ time

Training in Valencia

Arriving early? Explore daily running routes and local tips.

Prepare for 2026 Valencia Marathon - Dec 6

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Valencia Marathon Comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2026 Valencia Marathon?

The 2026 Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich takes place on Sunday, December 6, 2026, with the start in the morning. Valencia follows a first-Sunday-of-December pattern, and the date is officially confirmed by the organizers. It is the 46th edition of the race.

How do I enter the Valencia Marathon in 2026?

For the first time, entry is by ballot (lottery) rather than first-come-first-served. The change was made because demand grew so high that bibs sold out within minutes when registration was open to all. Free ballot registration ran in December 2025 (a loyalty window for prior-year runners followed by an open ballot), the draw was held in front of a notary, and selected applicants then pay and confirm their place. If you missed the ballot, charity and tour-operator packages are the main remaining routes.

How much does the Valencia Marathon cost?

Entering the ballot is free (only a small refundable card hold of about 5 EUR is placed to verify your card). If you are selected, the race bib itself costs roughly 60-95 EUR depending on the registration window, with earlier confirmation cheaper. Charity and travel-package entries are priced separately and are typically higher.

Is the Valencia Marathon really that fast?

Yes. It is widely regarded as one of the fastest marathon courses in the world, completely flat and at sea level with under 30m of total elevation gain and no bridges or underpasses. The men's course record is 2:01:48 (Sisay Lemma, 2023) and the women's is 2:14:00 (Joyciline Jepkosgei, 2025). Combined with cool December weather, it is a top choice for runners chasing a personal best. Use our race time predictor and pace calculator to set a realistic goal.

What is the time limit for the Valencia Marathon?

The official cutoff is 5 hours 30 minutes, lowered from the previous 6 hours starting with the 2025 edition. To finish in time you need to average roughly 7:49 min/km (about 12:35 min/mile), and there are intermediate checkpoints, so runners well off that pace may be asked to stop. Plan your splits with our splits calculator.

Does Valencia have a World Athletics label?

Yes. The Valencia Marathon holds a World Athletics Platinum Label, the highest road-race tier, and is the first and only marathon in Spain to earn it. The course is also a record-eligible, certified route, which is part of why so many national records and personal bests are set here.

Can I use the Valencia Marathon as a Boston qualifier?

Yes. Valencia is a certified, record-eligible course, so a time run here counts toward Boston Marathon qualifying. Given how flat and fast it is, it is one of the most popular races for BQ attempts. Check your target with our Boston qualifying calculator.

Where does the Valencia Marathon start and finish?

The race starts in the city center near the Plaza de la Marato and finishes on the iconic blue walkway over the water at the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias). The point-to-point loop runs along wide avenues and through the historic center before the dramatic waterfront finish.

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