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Race guide

Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich
Final Instructions

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1. Basic Information

Date
Sunday 1 December 2024 - 8:15am
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Stay connected with us on:

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Runners' Care Service

If you have any doubts or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:

On our chat, which you can find in the bottom right corner of this page.

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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR #42KVALENCIA

Pick up your race bib with chip, wristband and goodie bag at Expo 42K Feria Valencia.
Google map

CHECK THE STARTING TIMES

Check which box you will be in and the time your wave will start. The colour of your race bib corresponds to the colour of your box.

Arrive at the start well in advance, preferably before the race starts at 8:15am, and, if you are going to use it, be sure to find your bag drop-off area.

GO TO YOUR BOX

Be in your box in plenty of time, do not wait until the last minute. Check how to get to your box. If you have extra clothes, leave them to one side and the volunteers from La Casa Grande will pick them up later.

ENJOY

Run and enjoy the race.

RECYCLE

Throw your rubbish in the containers you will find after the drinks stations.

ENJOY THE WALKWAY

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.

COLLECT YOUR FINISHER'S BAG

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

Thursday 28 November
05:00pm

Expo 42K Feria Valencia opens its doors

Feria Valencia

06:00pm

Official presentation of the 44th Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich

La Placeta
Feria Valencia
09:00pm
Expo 42K Feria Valencia closes for the day
Feria Valencia
Friday 29 November
10:00am
Expo 42K Feria Valencia opens its doors
Feria Valencia
01:00pm

Presentation Spanish elite

La Placeta
Feria Valencia
02:00pm
Presentation international elite
La Placeta
Feria Valencia
06:00pm
Rookies' Corner by Serrano
La Placeta
Feria Valencia
09:00pm
Expo 42K Feria Valencia closes for the day
La Placeta
Feria Valencia
Saturday 30 November
09:00am

Bimbo Valencia Breakfast Run

5K Circuit Jardí del Túria. Next to the City of Arts and Sciences.

10:00am
Expo 42K Feria Valencia opens its doors
Feria Valencia
11:00am
Valencia Mini Marathon MSC
Paseo de La Alameda, between Monteolivete and L ’Assut de L’Or bridges. Valencia
12:30pm
Paella Time La Fallera
Plaza del Agua
Feria Valencia
07:00pm
Expo 42K Feria Valencia closes
Feria Valencia
Sunday 1 December
8:15am
44th Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich
Plaça de la Marató
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:

  • 28 November, from 5pm to 9pm
  • 29 November, from 10am to 9pm
  • 30 November, from 10am to 7pm

In order to collect your race bib you will need to show the QR code that will have been emailed to you on the Thursday before the race and an original valid official identity document.

The chip you will receive will be activated, but if you wish, you can take your race bib to the chip check point near the exit to Expo 42K Feria Valencia.
If you need safety pins, ask for them when you pick up your T-shirt.
If you cannot pick it up in person, you can authorise someone else to do so on this link.
No race bibs or goodie bags will be given out on the Sunday of the race.

5.2 Goodie bags

5.3 Official T-shirts

Official New Balance technical T-shirt made with NB DRY technology fabric that guarantees quick drying, wicking away the moisture produced by perspiration and providing a feeling of comfort while practising sport.

Men’s and women’s models.

Short sleeve or tank top style.

It is not possible to change T-shirt sizes when collecting the T-shirt.
There is a meeting point in front of the T-shirt collection area where you can exchange your T-shirt with other runners if you would like a different size to the one you chose when you registered.

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, 28 November, from 5pm to 9pm
  • Friday, 29 November, from 10am to 9pm
  • Saturday, 30 November, from 10am to 7pm
Av. de les Fires, s/n
46035 Valencia

If you do not want to queue up, avoid the busiest times:

  • Friday: 6-8pm

Saturday: 12-2pm and 5-7pm

5.4.1 How to get to Feria Valencia

METROVALENCIA

Line 4 (tram) from the city to the main entrance to Feria Valencia.

Together with the race bib, you will be given a reusable Metrovalencia card with four free trips to use from November 29 to December 2 on the Metrovalencia Network and alternative and substitute buses.

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
  • 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.

Price:
€3
(cash only)

5.4.3 Official products

If you wish to buy any official Valencia Marathon products, you will be able to do so exclusively at Expo 42K Feria Valencia.

5.4.4 Restaurant

Expo 42K Feria Valencia will have a restaurant area where you can recharge your batteries.

5.5 La Placeta

La Placeta is located in the heart of Expo 42K Feria Valencia. Talks related to the world of running as well as key events such as the presentation of the elite athletes will take place there on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Its programme is free of charge and open to everyone, runners and non-runners alike.

Thursday 28 November
06:00pm
Official presentation of the 44th Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich
Friday 29 November
01:00pm
Presentation of the international athletes
02:00pm
Presentation of the Spanish athletes
05:00pm
Presentation of the MSC Pacers
06:00pm
El Rookies' Corner by Cárnicas Serrano
With José Garay, the trainer of Cárnicas Serrano and the person responsible for the Objective 42K Valencia training plans
07:00pm
Learn how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation with Vithas
Saturday 30 November
10:30am
Analysis of the route by Blanca Iribas, 42K Valencia course manager. And gel strategy by Enervit
11:30am
Sustainability and Running by Valencia, European Green Capital
12:00pm
Chat with Miguel Indurain by Enervit
13:00pm
UPDATE. Interview meet & greet with the Spanish athletes Esther Guerrero and Dani Arce by New Balance
05:00pm
Chat with Martín Fiz y Lucía Aguado (@thesaiyankiwi) by Coros
06:00pm
Chat with Estefanía Unzu (@verdeliss)

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 29th from 10am to 6pm and Saturday 30th from 11am to 6pm.

5.7 MEDICAL ADVICE

Race Medical Director Dr. Virginia López, has five tips for you, so you can successfully and safely complete the Valencia Marathon. These simple recommendations can be summarised in two words: COMMON SENSE.

Be responsible and true to your training:

run at the pace you have trained for and time your final sprint carefully.

Do not experiment on race day:

hydrate and take supplements as you normally would.

Beware of the heat:

train at similar times (and temperatures) to race day.

Listen to your body:

if you feel headache, dizziness or nausea during the race you should slow your pace. If you do not improve, stop and get help at one of our health care points.

Take care of other runners:

if you see someone who is not well, immediately notify the nearest health services.

If you did not do so during your registration process, please remember to fill in the back of your race bib with your contact telephone number in case the medical services need it.

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.
Play Video

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. It will be compulsory to wear the wristband and the race bib in order to access the start boxes and to collect your finisher’s medal. The chip is attached to the race bib.

It will not be possible to change 
race bib holder after 24 November.

6.3 How to get to the start area

RECOMMENDATION

Due to the extraordinary situation that Valencia is currently experiencing and which has affected some lines of the Metrovalencia network, we ask that you plan your journey to the departure earlier than usual to arrive on time at the departure.

METROVALENCIA

From 6:00am on Sunday:

Line 10:
From Alacant to Amado Granell-Montolivet stop.

  • Start area (1100m)
  • Bag drop-off area boxes 9-11 (700m)
  • Bag drop-off area boxes 1-8 (1200m)
Along with your race bib, you will be given a reusable MetroValencia card with four free journeys to use from 29 November to 2 December on the Metrovalencia network and alternative and substitute buses.

The distances are calculated on foot from the stop 
to the locker area and box access area.

Check the departure times on the day of the race on the official Metrovalencia app or on www.metrovalencia.es

EMT VALENCIA

BIKES AND ELECTRIC SCOOTERS

  • There will be an area set aside for bicycles and electric scooters near the locker area. You will need a padlock to secure 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.

  • COOLTRA offers riders a €12 discount voucher* with the code: VALENCIA12.

*New user code for €12 off your next four rentals. You have until 8/12/2024 to enter the code in the app.

Las aplicaciones necesitan entre 24 y 48 horas para validar los documentos de conducir, por lo que hay registrarse días antes de usarlas.​

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.

650 m

Oceanogràfic Car Park

  • Sunday 1 Dec
  • 7€/day on presentation of race bib in the control centre

From 6am to 5pm

1.2 km

Aqua Shopping Centre Car Park

From 6am (free)

Distances calculated on foot 
to the start line area.

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 to finish the race is 5h30. Any runner arriving at kilometre 25 after 12:57pm will have to hand in their bib, abandon the race and/or get into the sweeper car.

Wheelchair athletes and blind athletes who wish to do so can start at 8.35am with the third wave.

It is recommended you arrive in plenty of time to get through the security checkpoints and before the race starts at 8:15am to make sure you start from your allocated box.

6.5 Starting line boxes

Each runner must enter the box assigned to them based on their accredited time. The boxes are identified by colours that correspond to the colour of the race bib.

Boxes open at 7:15am
In order to gain access to the start box, runners will be asked to show their race bib and the official race wristband that is given out with their bib.
If you have any questions, at the Expo 42K Feria Valencia you will find people identified with an info waistcoat who will answer them for you.

6.6 Bag drop-off area

There will be two large bag drop-off areas, and you will only be able to use the one that corresponds to the colour and number of your box, which is indicated on your race bib.

The BAG DROP-OFF AREA FOR BOXES 1-8 is the closest to the finish line and is used for boxes 1 to 8, corresponding to the colours green, yellow, blue, pink, orange, violet, brown and grey.

The BAG DROP-OFF AREA FOR BOXES 9-10 and the BAG DROP-OFF AREA FOR  BOX 11 are located opposite each other in calle Amadeo Granell Mesado.

The BAG DROP-OFF AREA FOR BOXES 9-10 corresponds to the colours red and speckled blue.
The BAG DROP-OFF AREA FOR BOX 11 are for runners with a white race bib.

Only one backpack or bag can be left per runner and it must be identified with the sticker you will find in the envelope with the race bib. To gain access you must show your race bib and wristband.

Both bag drop-off areas will be open from 6:30am to 4:00pm (Sunday 1 only).
There will be free shuttle buses from the El Saler Shopping Centre roundabout with stops near the shower area and the bag drop-off area for Boxes 9-10 and Box 11 to take runners there after the race. Available from 11am to 4pm.

6.7 Toilets

There will be toilets for runners in the locker area, at the start, at all the drinks stations, at the finish line and in the post-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.

At the drinks stations the toilets will be placed towards the middle of the station, on the pavement.

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 Aquarius (in a plastic cup). Aquabona water in 50 cl bottles and Aquarius (in bottles) will also be available at the finish line. Solid refreshments will also be available in the post-finish area.

NOTE: Male athletes in the yellow and green boxes will run at the same pace as the elite female runners. These athletes must pay particular attention at the drinks stations so as not to hinder the access of the women to their personal beverages.

6.8.2 Red Points

Enervit will have two Red Points where energy gels with and without caffeine will be available, they will be at approximately kilometres 16.2 and 25.8.

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 the drinks stations, as well as the start and finish line areas, will be attended by the race’s medical and health services.
  • 31 ambulances (of which 11 are mobile ICU units)
  • 2 field hospitals
  • 6 cooling pools to treat heat stroke
  • 54 defibrillators
  • 54 doctors
  • 46 doctors in the race
  • 55 nurses specialised in intensive care and resuscitation
  • 20 skaters with CPR equipment
  • 250 health volunteers
  • 6 physiotherapists
  • 2 podiatrists

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 Red points

There will be a red point in the locker area for boxes 1-8 and boxes 9-10, as well as in the post-finish line area, where anyone who needs it can request compresses 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?

The race can be watched live on:

  • www.maratonvalencia.com (Spanish and English)
  • #Vamos
  • TeleDeporte
  • 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 100 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 Post finish line bag

7.2 Medal engraving

If you have signed up for the medal engraving service, this will be indicated on your race bib.

The finisher’s medal engraving services will be located in the BAG DROP-OFF AREA for BOXES 1-8 (avenida del Profesor López Piñero). Remember to wear your bib clearly visible.

If you have not signed up for this service, once you have finished the race, you can pay 20 euros at the medal engraving point.

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 have purchased the poncho service it will be marked on your race bib.

It will not be possible to buy ponchos on the day of the race.

7.4 Showers

There will be a shower service available at the San Luis
 Municipal Swimming Pool (from 10am to 5pm).

There will be free shuttle buses from the El Saler Shopping Centre roundabout with a stop near the shower area to take runners there after the race. Timetable: from 11am to 4pm.

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.

8. Parallel Events

8.1 Rookies' Corner by Serrano

The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich will have more than 7000 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 Objective 42K Valencia training plans. The talk at Rookies’ Corner by Serrano will be held on Friday 29 November at 6pm at La Placeta in 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 30 November as a pre-run before the race on Sunday.

It consists of a gentle 30-45 minute run in Jardín del Turia park, covering a large part of the VCR Circuit and, for the first time in its history, 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 drinks and Enervit and enjoy breakfast with Bimbo, Serrano and Colacao products.

Runners can collect their bibs on Saturday 30 November in the start area. The week before, we will be sent an email with a QR code to the runners 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.

Lockers will be available. Start line location.

8.3 Valencia MSC Mini Marathon

The MSC Valencia Mini Marathon is a children’s race organised by the Valencia Marathon and it will be held on Saturday 30 November 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 a bottle of water from Coca-Cola and Central Lechera Asturiana to help them recover.

Registrations are priced at 3 euros and all the money will go to the charity of the Valencia Marathon 2024: Unoentrecienmil.org.

8.4 Paella Time La Fallera

Valencia is the home of paella, so here, the traditional pre-race Pasta Party has become the Paella Time La Fallera, which will take place on Saturday 30 November between 12:30 and 4:00pm in the Plaza del Agua at the Feria Valencia Exhibition Centre.

In order to participate in Paella Time La Fallera it is necessary to buy a ticket in advance through our website. The advance purchase price is 6 euros for runners and accompanying persons and 10 euros if purchased on Saturday.

At the location, participants will be able to collect their picnic, consisting of a plate of paella, bread and fruit as well as a Coca-Cola drink and an Estiu ice cream to enjoy, if they wish, at the tables that will be provided.

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. Help people affected by the catastrophe

The Valencia Marathon is working on three lines of solidarity to raise funds for the reconstruction of sports facilities and/or the promotion of grassroots sport, as well as to meet the basic needs of those affected and their localities.

  1. The organisation will donate 3 euros for each of you who cross the finish line on 1 December. This donation is compatible with and independent of the donation that the marathon charity receives this year.

  2. Through sponsors who want to join.

  3. Through the runners. We have launched Valencia Run X Valencia campaign, which has already raised more than 59,000 euros.

11. Sustainability

11.1 Volunteers

Volunteers are a ‘vithal‘ part of the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich, they are the driving force that helps us to make sure everything is perfect on the day of the race. In 2024, 2,500 people will work together to make the event a success. With the support of Vithas, the volunteers not only hand out race bibs, supplies and information to runners, but they are also trained in CPR and first aid so they can help out if necessary.

11.2 Environment

Reduce

We have been working for many years now to reduce our impact on the environment. As a result, we have eliminated the use of plastic bags and reduced the use of paper for publications and correspondence with runners.

In addition, 90% of the vehicles, both the Yamaha motorbikes and Hyundai cars used by the organisers during the event, are electric so as to reduce CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. For this reason, we would ask you all, as far as possible, to do your bit by travelling to the race and the fair by public transport. Our agreements with RENFE and MetroValencia for journeys to Valencia and around the city also strengthen these initiatives.

In another initiative, all the perishable food that is not used in the race or is not given to the runners, is given to the Valencia Food Bank, so that it can be put to good use.

Reuse

The charity Asociación La Casa Grande will collect the clothes runners wear at the start line to keep warm and leave behind; these clothes will then be donated to underprivileged groups or recycled.

The Asociación CRIS also recycles the banners from the event, turning them into bags, backpacks and other items sold to raise money for charity.

Recycle

You will find containers for plastic waste (yellow) and paper waste (blue), which will be managed by Ecoembes, both at the Expo 42K Feria Valencia and along the route. Use them. With your help, last year we recycled 99.9% of the packaging used in the race.

12. Opening registration for 2025

Registration for the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich 2025, which will take place on 7 December 2025, will open to the public on 11 December 2024 on our website www.maratonvalencia.com.

There will be a one-week preferential period before this date when anyone registered for this year’s race can sign up.

#42KValencia

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