Valencia running world in solidarity with Paris at Trinidad Alfonso Valencia Marathon, Runner’s Fair and Expo
The Trinidad Alfonso Valencia Marathon, organized by SD Correcaminos and the Valencian Government, enjoyed a highly successful weekend of events surrounding the marathon, and the marathon itself. To honor those who lost their lives in Paris, a minute of silence was held at all the marathon events following the tragedy with a minute of applause at the end of the silence.
The Expo Deporte at the Science Museum (Museo Príncipe Felipe) was the nerve center and place to hang out for most runners staying in Valencia. The Expo Deporte is one of the biggest sporting events in Valencia and one of the biggest Expos in Spain. More than 75,000 visitors came to the event.
Breakfast Run
Saturday started with a macro warm up and final gentle training session at the Breakfast Run. More than 1,200 runners met up in the city center river park to run on the brand new and dedicated 5k running track. Even though the run was only a light 5K run the runners were rewarded with local produce and snacks from Valencia at the end of the session to refuel.
This was the inaugural Breakfast Run and judging by the success and participation it will become a yearly fixture of the marathon weekend. It’s a great way for runners to meet each other, get to know some of the best parts of the city and it is a great advert for the marathon.
Mini Marathon
The junior marathoners had many activities to keep them busy over the weekend. The mini-marathon, organized by Mapfre Insurance Group, was a resounding success with over 700 children aged from 3-17 years participating. The start of the mini marathon was on the same bridge (monteolivete) so the young stars could feel what it’s like on the big day.
The mini marathon was the climax of all the junior events. Over the race weekend, the Science Museum hosted many events and workshops specifically designed to increase awareness of sports, nutrition, a healthy lifestyle and road safety.
Paella Party
15,000 portions of Paella. That is one big paella Party! The dish that represents Valencia was the star of the show at the Paella Party. All runners had a free invite to the event where they could taste the best of traditional Valencian cooking. Paella is also ideal for the day before the race as it has plenty of fresh meat, vegetables, and, of course; lots of of carbs.
The Paella Party is probably the biggest bonding event for runners apart from the race itself. The local runners come to the event, because like all Valencians, they are addicted to paella; the international runners get to meet the locals and eat good food.
Impuls-a Valencia
‘Olympic experiences’ was the theme for this year’s Valencia Impulse event. The event culminated in the showing of the film ‘Olympic Lives’ that tracked the efforts of various Spaniards pushing to qualify for the Olympics in Rio 2016. In the film the crew follow the athletes and their mentors; all ex-Olympic champions.
The mentors were: Fermín Cacho, Gold Medal 1500m, Barcelona 1992 and Silver in Atlanta 1996; María Vasco, Bronze Medal 20km, Sydney 2000; Miki Oca, Gold Medal Water Polo Barcelona 1992 and Silver in Atlanta 1996; and Miriam Blasco, Gold Medal, Judo, Barcelona 1992. The project is not-for-profit and is organized thanks to the donations of the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation and the CIDIDA Foundation.
The Santiago Grisolía auditorium in the Science Museum hosted this, the 3rd edition of the event. All proceeds raised at the 200 capacity event went to the Valencia Spina Bifida Association, the designated good cause of the 35th edition of the Valencia Marathon.
The marathon with Serrano
Serrano meat company, for the second year running, organized regular and free training sessions to help runners prepare for the Trinidad Alfonso Valencia Marathon. In the sessions the runners had access to professional runners, nutritionists, coaches and psychologists. On the Saturday before the race there was a final motivational session. The sessions started last September.
José Garay, coach for the Serrano running team and Nacho Cáceres, veteran marathon runner and member of the Serrano team were the hosts of the closing event. After the ceremony there was a social event where the runners and guests could enjoy a free selection of produce from the Serrano Meat Company.
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