Introduction
Valencia has earned its status as Spain’s running capital thanks to its mild weather, stunning urban scenery and one of the fastest courses on the planet. The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich 2025 will celebrate its 44th edition on Sunday, 7 December 2025. Besides its perfectly flat route, the race carries the prestigious World Athletics Platinum Label, attracting thousands of participants and a stellar line‑up of professional athletes. This guide compiles all the key facts, information about the international elite field and practical tips to help you reach the finish line in your best form.
Key facts about the 2025 Valencia Marathon
- Date: Sunday 7 December 2025【904595840161529†L44-L48】.
- Start time: there are nine start waves depending on each runner’s qualifying time. The first wave (sub 2h50) sets off at 8:15 am, while the last wave (runners targeting over 4h10) starts at 9:35 am.
- Distance: 42.195 km.
- Course: 100 % urban, completely flat with just 75 m of accumulated elevation. The start is on the Montolivet Bridge and the finish on the blue footbridge over the water at the City of Arts and Sciences.
- Expo and bib pick‑up: the 42K Expo takes place at Feria Valencia. Bibs are handed out on Thursday 4 December (5–9 pm), Friday 5 December (9 am–9 pm) and Saturday 6 December (9 am–7 pm). You can get there by car (over 3 000 parking spaces) or by tram/bus.
- Quality labels: World Athletics Platinum Label.
- Typical temperatures: between 8 °C and 17 °C—perfect conditions for chasing a personal best.
Section‑by‑section course description
Valencia’s course is renowned for its speed thanks to its flat profile and wide, straight avenues. Here’s what awaits you:
- Km 0–5: the start on the Montolivet Bridge runs past the City of Arts and Sciences. Keep your pace under control while soaking up the atmosphere.
- Km 5–15: head towards the harbour and Marina Real. Running beside the Mediterranean offers spectacular views and a segment to settle into your rhythm.
- Km 15–25: the marathon winds through the historic centre, past the Serranos Towers and City Hall. Bands and drummers line the streets to boost your spirits.
- Km 25–35: a wide, fast section that can be exposed to wind. Staying on pace here is key.
- Km 35–42: return toward the City of Arts and Sciences; the crowd support swells and finishing over the blue footbridge becomes an unforgettable moment.
Most scenic areas: the City of Arts and Sciences, the Marina and seafront promenade, the historic centre and the port avenues.
Tough spots: between kilometres 30 and 35 because of accumulated fatigue and possible windy sections.
Confirmed elite athletes
Valencia will once again host some of the world’s best marathoners. According to World Athletics, the women’s race will see a clash between Amane Beriso, the current course record holder with 2:14:58, and Olympic and world champion Peres Jepchirchir. Other stars include Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei (2:16:24), USA’s Keira D’Amato (2:19:12) and Germany’s debutant Gesa Krause.
On the men’s side, course record holder Sisay Lemma (2:01:48) leads the field. He’ll be joined by Ethiopia’s Hailemaryam Kiros (2:04:35), Kenyan debutants Vincent Nyageo and Patrick Mosin, and Europeans Samuel Fitwi (2:04:56) and Amanal Petros (2:04:58)【761817657607878†L112-L118】. Leading Spanish entrants include Tariku Novales (2:05:48), Ibrahim Chakir (2:07:32), Yago Rojo (2:07:47) and debutants Said Mechaal and Fernando Carro.
This star‑studded line‑up makes Valencia one of the deepest marathons in the world, with multiple men under 2:05 and women under 2:20. Expect a fierce battle for victory and, possibly, record performances.
Why Valencia is so fast
Valencia is ranked the fourth‑fastest marathon in the world. Its reputation comes from:
- Topography and climate: the course is at sea level, and temperatures between 8 °C and 17 °C minimise thermoregulatory stress.
- Flawless logistics: the organisation, praised for its professionalism, provides aid stations every 5 km, official pacer groups for a range of goal times and a wave start system to prevent congestion.
- Exciting atmosphere: thousands of spectators, musicians and drumming groups cheer runners along.
- Sightseeing on the move: the course passes the City of Arts and Sciences, the old town and the harbour.
- Prize money: record bonuses of up to €1 million attract world‑class athletes.
Training, nutrition and hydration tips
1. Carbo‑loading and rest in the final week
In the last week, taper your training so your body can recover. Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep each night and avoid extra gym sessions. Make sure you stay hydrated, drinking 1.5–2 litres of water daily.
Begin a carbohydrate load 24–48 hours before the race by eating 8‑12 g of carbs per kilogram of body weight. Stick to easily digested foods such as white rice, pasta and bananas.
2. Prepare your kit and study the route
Familiarise yourself with the course map and plan how you’ll get to the start. Lay out your kit the night before: shoes, bib, energy gels, anti‑chafing balm, cap, sunglasses and a smart watch. Locate toilets and aid stations along the route.
3. Hydrate before, during and after the race
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking 2–3 cups of water (473–710 ml) 2–3 hours before exercise. During the race, drink ½–1 cup (118–237 ml) every 15–20 minutes. After finishing, replace 2–3 cups for every 0.5 kg of body weight lost. For events over an hour, sports drinks help replenish electrolytes and provide carbohydrates.
4. Keep calm and avoid “maranoia”
Tapering can trigger anxiety and the feeling that you’re losing fitness—known as “maranoia.” It’s normal to feel on edge or notice phantom aches. Trust your training, do a short 30‑minute shakeout run one or two days beforehand to calm nerves and focus on relaxation.
5. Plan your race‑eve and race‑morning routine
The night before, rest, hydrate and eat a high‑carb dinner that’s easy to digest (pasta with a mild sauce, rice or potatoes). Avoid spicy or unfamiliar foods. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep and remember that an uneasy night won’t ruin your race.
Have breakfast 3–4 hours before the start, combining carbohydrates and easily digested protein (porridge with honey, toast with banana). If needed, top up with a small snack 1‑2 hours before the race.
Travel and logistics tips
- Getting around Valencia: the tram and EMT bus connect the City of Arts and Sciences with the 42K Expo. On race day, free public transport is usually available for runners with a bib.
- Accommodation: book early; the city fills up. Look for hotels near the City of Arts and Sciences or the old town to minimise travel times.
- Post‑race tourism: treat yourself to paella or horchata and explore landmarks like the Cathedral, Central Market, Turia Gardens or Malvarrosa Beach.
- Charity: the event donates a cheque to Uno entre Cien Mil, supporting childhood leukaemia research—running Valencia also means supporting a good cause.
Sources and further reading
- World Athletics – Beriso, Jepchirchir and Lemma lead Valencia Marathon line‑up: details of the international elite field.
- Valencia Ciudad del Running – International elite and debutants list: overview of the athletes and comments from organisers.
- 365Rider – Complete guide to the 2025 Valencia Marathon: detailed information on the course, schedules, Expo and tips.
- Finishers – History and records of the Valencia Marathon: historical context and tourism appeal.
- Mayo Clinic – Hydration and nutrition for exercise: guidelines on fluid intake before, during and after exercise.