Race guide
Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich
Final Instructions
1. Basic Information
If you have any doubts or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Writing to:
info@valenciaciudaddelrunning.com
2. Regulations
PARTICIPATION RULES
Please remember that you must follow the race rules, and the following actions may lead to disqualification:
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Running with someone else’s bib.
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Altering, folding, or tampering with your bib in any way.
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Crossing the finish line with children in your arms or by the hand.
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Re-entering the race after having crossed the finish line.
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Urinating outside the portable toilets provided by the organization.
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Ignoring instructions from the organization, judges, security forces, or race medical staff.
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Engaging in any form of unsportsmanlike conduct, especially if it harms other runners.
3. Check List
Please read these instructions carefully, as they contain all the useful information you will need to ensure that everything goes smoothly on the day of the race.
Pick up your race bib with chip, wristband and goodie bag at Expo 42K Feria Valencia. Google map
Check your start box and your wave start time. The color of your bib corresponds to your box, which is also identified by a number.
Arrive at the start with plenty of time, before the race begins at 8:15 a.m.
Check where the entrance to your box is and access it with enough time. We recommend doing so before the race starts at 8:15. If you have extra clothing, leave it on the sides and the volunteers from La Casa Grande will collect it afterwards for reuse.
Run and enjoy the race.
Throw your rubbish in the containers you will find after the drinks stations.
The blue walkway is unique. Enjoy it, soak up the applause from the crowd and cross the finish line with a smile on your face.
Head towards the post-finish area. We will give you your medal, refreshments and your finisher's bag. If you want to engrave your medal, do not forget to go to the medal engraving stand.
4. Calendar of events
Expo 42K Feria Valencia opens its doors
Feria Valencia Events Center and Hall 5
Official presentation of the 45th Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich
Feria Valencia Hall 5
Presentation elite international
Feria Valencia Hall 5
Feria Valencia Hall 5
Feria Valencia Hall 5
Feria Valencia Hall 5
Bimbo Valencia Breakfast Run
Jardí del Túria. Next to the City of Arts and Sciences.
Feria Valencia
Valencia
Valencia
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Valencia
5. Before the race
5.1 Bib and bag collection
The race bib-chip and the goodie bag can be collected at Expo 42K Feria Valencia, located in the Feria Valencia Exhibition Centre at these times:
- December 4, from 5pm to 9pm
- December 5, from 9am to 9pm
- December 6, from 9am to 7pm
To collect your race bib, you must show the QR code included in the email with your bib number — which we will resend to your email the Wednesday before the race — along with an official, valid, original form of identification.
5.2 Goodie bags
5.3 Official T-shirts
New Balance shirts made with NB DRY technology fabric, which ensures quick drying and helps wick away sweat to provide a comfortable feeling during the race. Additionally, the inner seams are flat to prevent chafing.
Men’s and women’s models.
Short sleeve or tank top style.
5.4 Expo 42K Feria Valencia
Expo 42K Feria Valencia, the trade fair for the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich, will be held at the Feria Valencia Exhibition Centre:
- Thursday, 4 December, from 5pm to 9pm
- Friday, 5 December, from 9am to 9pm
- Saturday, 6 December, from 9am to 7pm
*Scooters will not be allowed inside the expo.
If you do not want to queue up, avoid the busiest times:
- Friday: 6-8pm
Saturday: 12-2pm and 5-6pm
5.4.1 How to get to Feria Valencia
METROVALENCIA
Line 4 (tram) from the city to the main entrance to Feria Valencia.
Timetables and frequencies can be consulted in real time on the official Metrovalencia app or at www.metrovalencia.es.
EMT VALENCIA
Line 62 EMT Benimamet-Estació Nord. Approximate frequency on working days: 10-15 minutes.
You can see the timetables, the frequency of the lines and the waiting time for buses in real time on the official EMT Valencia app or website www.emtvalencia.es/geoportal.
CAR
- Feria Valencia car park: 3000 spaces
- Rate: 0.03€/minute (Friday, December 5th and Saturday, December 6th: maximum fare €6/day).
- With direct access to Expo 42K Feria Valencia.
VALENCIA TAXIS
4.4.2 Left-luggage
If you come to Expo 42K Feria Valencia with your luggage, you will find a left-luggage facility at the entrance to the hall, where you can leave your luggage so you can visit the exhibition unhindered, and pick it up on your way out.
5.4.3 Official products
If you wish to purchase any of the official Marathon Valencia products, you can do so exceptionally at Expo 42K Feria Valencia by visiting the merchandising stand (9B).
5.4.4 Restaurant
Expo 42K Feria Valencia will feature dining areas for breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
5.5 La Placeta INNSiDE by Meliá Valencia Oceanic
La Placeta INNSiDE by Meliá Valencia Oceanic is located in the heart of Expo 42K Feria Valencia. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, talks related to the world of running will take place, as well as key events such as the presentation of the race and the elite athletes.
The schedule is open free of charge to the public, whether you are a runner or not.
With José Garay, the trainer with Cárnicas Serrano and the person responsible for the Objective 42K Valencia training plans
This programme is subject to change. Check the updated programme here
5.6 Visit the finish line
The finish line walkway, located over the lake in the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, will be open for anyone who wishes to visit it and have their photo taken on Friday 5th from 11am to 7pm and Saturday 6th from 11am to 7pm.
5.7 MEDICAL ADVICE
The Medical Director of the Valencia Marathon, Dr. Virginia López, shares these recommendations to help you enjoy the race with both head and heart. Because running well also means taking care of yourself.
Run smart, don’t be impulsive.
Your body performs according to what you have trained for. Respect your pace, manage your effort, and don’t get carried away by the excitement of the final sprint if you haven’t practiced it.
Race day is not the time to try new things.
Use the same hydration, supplementation, and strategy that you have tested in your training. Avoid trying new products or different routines: your body needs consistency.
⚠️ Heat doesn’t forgive: be prepared for it.
In recent years, we have dealt with several serious cases of heat stroke. Train in conditions similar to race day (time, temperature, humidity) and learn to recognize the warning signs. Heat can be silent, but its consequences are not.
Listen to what your body is telling you.
If during the race you feel dizzy, nauseous, have a headache, or feel weak, slow down. If you don’t improve, stop and go to one of our medical stations. Don’t ignore it.
Be part of the team: take care of others too.
If you see another runner in trouble, don’t pass by. Alert the nearest medical staff. Your help could be crucial.
📞 Don’t forget to fill in the emergency contact on your bib
It’s very important that you provide a phone number for someone we can contact in case something happens to you during the race. Whenever possible, try to choose someone who will be in the city with you that day. In some cases, if you need care at the finish line hospital, that person may need to come pick you up or help us manage the situation.
6. The race
6.1 Route
The start of the Valencia Marathon will take place at 8:15am from the Plaça de la Marató heading towards Monteolivete Bridge. Runners will cross the bridge on both carriageways.
The finish line is located over the l’Hemisfèric Lake in the Valencia City of Arts and Sciences.
Discover all the secrets of the course:
6.2 Race Bib Chip + Wristband
The race bib must be worn on the front of the body and must be visible at all times. Runners are not allowed to run without a race bib or with a race bib in the name of another person.
Your race bib and wristband are required and essential to access the start corrals or collect your finisher medal.
The chip is attached to the race bib.
It will not be possible to change race bib holder after 27 November.
Altering, folding, or tampering with your race bib in any way is grounds for disqualification from the race.
6.3 How to get to the start area
METROVALENCIA
Line 10:
From Alacant to Amado Granell-Montolivet stop (the one closest to the boxes).
Check the departure times on the day of the race on the official Metrovalencia app or on www.metrovalencia.es
EMT VALENCIA
You can see the timetables, the frequency of the lines and the waiting time for buses in real time on the official EMT Valencia app or website www.emtvalencia.es/geoportal.
BIKES AND ELECTRIC SCOOTERS
In the bag drop-off area, there will be a designated space for leaving bicycles and scooters. You will need a lock to secure them.
You cannot leave a backpack next to your bike or scooter.
VALENCIA TAXIS
VALENBISI
Registration required.
SCOOTER SHARING
The city has a number of shared electric scooter rental companies that you can use to get to the start area.
If you want to use any of Cooltra’s scooters, you can do so with a discount using this code: VALENCIA12
Terms: €12 free for new users to use on their next 4 rides, with a maximum discount of €3 per ride. Valid from 04/12/2025 to 08/12/2025.
The apps need between 24 and 48 hours to verify driving documents, so you must register a few days before using them.
CAR
If you are travelling to the race in a private car, please note that the area around the start line will be closed off.
CAR PARKS
The area around the start has free parking areas, however, the organisers have made several car parks available to runners.
Oceanogràfic Car Park
- Sunday 7 Dec
- 8€/day on presentation of race bib in the control centre
From 6am to 5pm
Aqua Shopping Centre Car Park
From 6am (free)
6.4 Start
The start will take place in waves in order to ensure the welfare and safety of all runners and based on the order of accredited times.
The official maximum time limit to finish the race is 5 hours and 30 minutes from the moment you cross the start line. Any runner who reaches kilometre 25 after 12:57 p.m. must hand over their race bib, withdraw from the race, and/or get on the sweeper bus.
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The Start will close 15 minutes after the last gun.
Wheelchair athletes will start early in the third wave.
Visually impaired athletes may start early and at the front of their assigned wave if they wish.
It is recommended to arrive at the start with enough time to go through security checks and before the race begins at 8:15 a.m., to ensure you can start from your assigned box.
6.5 Starting line boxes
Each runner must enter the box assigned to them according to their verified time. The boxes are identified by colors and numbers that correspond to those indicated on the bib.
6.6 Bag drop service
The bag drop service had to be booked in advance. If you did not purchase it beforehand, it is not possible to do so now.
If you have purchased this service, it will be indicated on your bib with a hanger icon.
The bag drop will be located on Profesor López Piñero Avenue in an open area with tents.
You can leave a backpack, cabin suitcase or bag in the tent assigned to you according to your bib number. The sticker will be inside your bib envelope.
6.7 Toilets
There will be toilets for runners in the bag drop area, at the start, at all the drinks stations, in the post-race area, after the refreshment stations and upon exiting the finish area.
All runners are kindly requested to use these portable toilets and to avoid using places not designated for this purpose, such as streets, parks and gardens.
6.8 Drink stations
6.8.1 Liquids
There will be drinks stations at kilometre points 5.5, 10, 14.5, 18.7, 23, 28.3, 33.1, 37.1 and 40.4, where there will be Aquabona water in a 33 cl bottle and Powerade (in a plastic cup). Aquabona water in 50 cl bottles and Powerade (in bottles) will also be available at the finish line. Solid refreshments will also be available in the post-finish area.
6.8.2 Red Points by Enervit
Enervit will have three Red Points where energy gels with and without caffeine will be available, they will be at approximately kilometres 16.2, 25.8 and 34, approximately.
There will be signs to indicate the type of gel being handed out and, in addition, the volunteers will wear different colours to make it easier to identify the type of gel they are handing out.
- Orange: Enervit orange gel without caffeine
- Yellow: Enervit citrus gel with caffeine
6.9 MSC Pacers
The MSC Pacers are very experienced runners who set a steady pace from start to finish with the aim of finishing the race in a given time.
They will carry a highly visible banner so you can identify them at the start line.
There will be pacers with target times of:
6.10 Medical and health services
All refreshment points, as well as the start and finish areas, will have the support of the race’s medical and health services.
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Material resources:
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30 ambulances, of which 10 are advanced life support and 20 are basic life support
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2 nursing units
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1 rapid intervention vehicle
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2 field hospitals
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8 ice pools
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56 defibrillators distributed along the course
Human resources:
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68 doctors, 50 of whom are race doctors
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62 critical care nursing specialists
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49 emergency medical technicians
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6 physiotherapists
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2 podiatrists
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18 skater paramedics
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275 medical volunteers (doctors, final-year Nursing and Medicine students, nursing staff, physiotherapists, and podiatrists)
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6.11 Rapid assistance points
There will be three rapid assistance points for runners provided by Farmacia Ribera, with vaseline and analgesic spray at kilometres 25.5, 29.5 and 34.2.
6.12 Puntos rojos
At the bag drop and in the post-race area, there will be a Punto Rojo where anyone in need can request sanitary pads and tampons before and after the race.
6.13 Tracking the runners
On the official Valencia Marathon app, as well as keeping yourself informed about all the latest news on the race, you can also follow any runner by entering their race bib number.
6.14 How can I watch the race?
- www.maratonvalencia.com (Spanish and English)
- #Vamos
- TeleDeporte
- Eurosport
- À Punt (Valencian)
Check the complete list of TV channels from all over the world.
6.15 Cheering points
The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich will have over 160 cheering points distributed along the 42 kilometres of the course. The runners appreciate all the encouragement you can give them, so get over to one of them and help the runners achieve their goal.
7. After the race
7.1 Finisher's bag
7.2 Medal engraving
If you purchased the medal engraving service, it will be indicated on your bib with a medal icon.
The finisher medal engraving service will be located in the bag drop area (Profesor López Piñero Avenue). Don’t forget to keep your bib clearly visible.
If you didn’t purchase it in advance, you can pay for it after finishing the race (cash or card).
PRICE: €20
7.3 Ponchos
If you have purchased the poncho service, you will find volunteers handing out ponchos at the beginning of the post-finish area.
If you purchased the poncho service, it will be indicated on your bib with an icon.
7.4 Showers
There will be a shower service available at the San Luis Municipal Swimming Pool (from 10am to 5pm).
7.5 Meeting points
The organisers will set up three meeting points so that runners and their companions can meet up at these points after the race.
Meeting point A
Aqua Shopping Centre
roundabout
Meeting point B
Next to the El Saler
Shopping Centre
Meeting point C
Palau de les Arts roundabout
7.6 Rankings
They will be available on our website and on the official app from Sunday afternoon.
7.7 Photos
There will be a section for the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich on marathonphotos.live. Here you can view your photos and place orders with different options and payment methods. To find them, simply enter your race bib number. You will also be able to download your certificate free of charge.
For 7 days after the race, the photo package will have a €5 discount, making the price €29.99.
8. Parallel Events
8.1 Rookies' Corner by Serrano
The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich will have more than 8000 first-time runners, which is why, in order to make the experience as easy as possible, once again this year we have a space dedicated to all of them, Rookies’ Corner by Serrano.
A talk will be held there in which rookies will receive useful advice before the race from José Garay, the trainer with Cárnicas Serrano and the person responsible for the Objetivo 42K Valencia training plans.
The talk at Rookies’ Corner by Serrano will be held on Friday 5 December at 6pm at La Placeta INNSiDE by Meliá Valencia Oceanic de Expo 42K Feria Valencia. Access is free and the talk will be subtitled in English.
8.2 Bimbo Valencia Breakfast Run
The Bimbo Valencia Breakfast Run is a training run that takes place on Saturday & December as a pre-run before the race on Sunday.
It consists of a gentle 30-45 minute run in Jardín del Turia park and it will end along the walkway to the finish line of the Valencia Marathon. After the run you will be able to recover your energy with Coca-Cola and Enervit drinks and enjoy breakfast with Bimbo, Serrano and Colacao products.
Runners can collect their bibs on Saturday 6 December in the start area. The week before, runners will be sent an email with a QR code that they will have to show in order to be able to collect their bib.
If there are any bibs available, they will be available for purchase on Saturday in the Breakfast Run start area at a price of 20 euros.
Bag drop-off area will be available. Start line location.
8.3 MSC Valencia Mini Marathon
The MSC Valencia Mini Marathon is a children’s race organised by the Valencia Marathon and it will be held on Saturday 6 December from 11am along the Paseo de la Alameda, between the Monteolivete and L’Assut de L’Or bridges.
All the races are NON COMPETITIVE and divided into categories and all the participants will receive a commemorative medal and a mini goodie bag thanks to MSC, as well as water to rehydrate provided by Coca-Cola and a shake from Central Lechera Asturiana.
Registrations are priced at 3 euros and all the money will go to the charity of the Valencia Marathon 2025: Fundación Pequeño Deseo.
8.4 Paella Party La Fallera
Valencia is the capital of paella, which is why the traditional pre-race Pasta Party becomes the Paella Party La Fallera, taking place on Saturday, December 6th, from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM at the Plaza del Agua in Feria Valencia.
To participate in the Paella Party La Fallera, you must purchase a ticket in advance through our website. The early-bird price is €6 for both runners and companions, and €10 if purchased on Saturday (cash only and subject to availability).
Once there, participants will collect their picnic, which includes a plate of paella, bread, and fruit, as well as a Coca-Cola beverage and an ice cream from Helados Estiu. You may enjoy it at the tables that will be set up.
*There will be a vegetarian option and gluten-free bread. **We don’t use plastics in our containers, and they are sustainable and recyclable.
8.5 42K Medal Party
The 42K Medal Party is the official post-Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Zurich Marathon party, taking place on Sunday, December 7th from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Mya nightclub, located in the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Don’t forget to bring your finisher medal!
Advance tickets cost €12 and include one drink. Limited tickets available. Entry is not allowed for anyone under 18.
9. Las 5 Grandes
The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich is part of the Las 5 Grandes de Zurich, the first marathon circuit in Spain. The challenge is to finish the races in Barcelona, Madrid, San Sebastian, Seville and Valencia to earn a commemorative bracelet with two exclusive badges, valued at €80.
10. Finisher Paradise
The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich doesn’t end at the finish line in the City of Arts and Sciences, nor at the 42K Medal Party. Some restaurants, museums, and shops in the city join the celebration, offering discounts and gifts after the race when you show your medal. Take a look and enjoy the Finisher Paradise.
11. Sustainability
11.1 Volunteers
Volunteering is a ‘vithal’ part of the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich; it’s the engine that helps us ensure everything runs perfectly on race day. In 2025, 2,600 people will collaborate to make the event a success.
With the support of Vithas Hospitals, volunteers not only handle tasks such as distributing bibs, providing refreshments, or giving information to runners, but they are also trained in CPR and first aid to assist in case of need.
11.2 Athletics for a better world
In 2024, we were recognized by World Athletics with the “Standard for a Better World,” a sustainability and social responsibility certification for organizations, events, and federations in global athletics.
11.3 Carbon footprint calculation
This edition, thanks to our ‘green sponsor’ GO2 by Global Omnium, the event’s carbon footprint will be measured. In addition, we aim to obtain the Sustainable Event Seal from the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE).
11.2 Environment
We have been working for years to reduce our environmental impact. To this end, plastic bags have been eliminated, and paper use in publications and runner-related processes has been reduced. Plastic waste has also been removed from the Paella Party La Fallera.
Additionally, 90% of the vehicles used by the organization during the event, including Yamaha motorcycles and Hyundai cars, are electric or low-emission to reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. In this regard, we ask everyone to do their part by attending the race and expo using public transport whenever possible.
The Valencia Marathon also has agreements for discounts on RENFE trains and with Metrovalencia, which provides reusable cards with four free trips to all runners and volunteers.
The Asociación Solidaria Casa Grande will collect the clothing that runners leave behind at the start to keep warm and will distribute it to disadvantaged groups or recycle it.
Additionally, all perishable food that is not used during the race or given to runners is donated to Casa Caridad de Valencia so it can be put to good use.
You will find container bins for packaging (yellow) and paper (blue) placed by Ecoembes both at Expo 42K Feria Valencia and along the course. Please use them. With your help, last year we recycled 99.9% of the packaging used during the race.
12. Opening registration for 2026
Registrations for the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich 2026 will take place for the first time through a lottery/ballot system, although there will be a four-day loyalty period allowing those with an active 2025 bib on race day to secure their spot for the 2026 edition.
The loyalty period will run from December 11th to 15th, and it will be open to those registered for the 2025 edition as of December 7th, even if they do not participate in the race or do not cross the finish line.