© Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich
Valencia Marathon to Introduce Lottery Entry System from 2026
It’s a major shift for one of Europe’s most sought-after running events. Starting in 2026, both the Valencia Marathon and Half Marathon will allocate race bibs through a lottery system. This will be a first in Spain, but it follows the trend set by World Marathon Majors such as London, Berlin, and Tokyo. From now on, luck will play a big role in securing one of the 35,000 marathon spots or 25,000 half marathon spots.
| Why the change?
The reasons are clear: the global running boom and the phenomenal success of Valencia’s races in recent years. Every year, the city attracts tens of thousands of runners — many of them from France — chasing personal bests. And it’s easy to see why: perfect weather, a flat and lightning-fast course, exceptional race density, and flawless organization.
In just a few years, Valencia has earned its reputation as one of the world’s premier marathons — in 2024 alone, 31 men ran under 2:10, with 10 breaking the 2:05 barrier. Until now, entry was on a first-come, first-served basis, with bibs selling out in minutes. The reality was that only those who were online and ready at the opening time stood a chance. The new system aims to level the playing field.
| How will it work?
From the 2026 edition onwards, all runners must register for the lottery via the race’s official website to have a chance of securing a bib. One account can register up to three people — perfect for friends wanting to run together — but only one entry per person will be accepted. Multiple registrations or fake accounts will result in immediate disqualification.
The first 10,000 runners to re-register will have access to early-bird pricing:
➜ €40 for the Half Marathon
➜ €80 for the Marathon
After that quota is reached, prices will increase progressively.
| Priority access for loyal runners
Good news for regular participants: runners registered for the 2025 edition — whether marathon or half marathon — will have priority access to the following year’s race. They’ll get a four-day window after race day to purchase their bib without going through the lottery, and at a discounted rate.
This is not entirely new. In previous years, Valencia has offered early booking privileges to returning runners. For example, in 2024, participants had a seven-day window to secure their spot for the next edition before entries opened to the general public. The response was huge — 14,000 runners took advantage of it, meaning they’ll be back on the 2024 start line. That’s 38% of the entire field, a testament to the race’s appeal and the loyalty it inspires among marathoners.
Key Dates
- Half Marathon 2026: Priority registration — Oct 30 to Nov 3, 2025
Lottery opens — Nov 4, 2025 - Marathon 2026: Priority registration — Dec 11 to Dec 15, 2025
Lottery opens — Dec 16, 2025 - To enter the lottery, a €5 temporary hold will be placed on your credit card. Regardless of the outcome, this amount will be refunded.
| Not everyone is happy…
While the lottery is designed to be fairer, some runners hoping to take part for the first time may still be left disappointed. So what are your chances of getting in? It’s hard to say, but demand will be high. For comparison, the lotteries for the London and New York City Marathons — the two most popular in the world — give runners only about a 5% chance of being selected. Valencia’s popularity suggests the odds may not be much better: for the 2025 edition, 70% of bibs were sold within the first day of public registration.
| A fairer system — but with more uncertainty
With this move, Valencia joins the exclusive circle of top-tier races where you don’t just sign up — you apply. It’s a logical evolution given the demand, but it will shake up the habits of thousands of European runners, including many from France, who have long made Valencia’s flat, ultra-fast course their main goal of the season.
For those who don’t get in, there will still be two options: running for charity or purchasing a travel package with an official bib through an approved tour operator — but at a much higher price.
The 2025 edition will be the last without a lottery. Running Valencia this year not only guarantees you a fast course, it also gives you priority access for 2026. The race was already among the world’s best; now, with this selection process, securing a Valencia bib will be a privilege in itself. The “Ciudad del Running” (City of Running) is stepping up into a new league — with a touch of World Marathon Major prestige.
✔ Full details available on the official Valencia Marathon website
Clément LABORIEUX
Journaliste
