How to Enter the Valencia Half Marathon

Like its bigger sibling, the Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Zurich Marathon, the Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Zurich Half Marathon has become a must on the calendar for anyone who loves speed and road racing. Awarded World Athletics Gold Label status, the race attracts thousands of runners every year. Since the SuperHalfs launched in 2022, Valencia has been one of the six races on this outstanding European circuit. As with many major events, securing a place in the Valencia Half Marathon means entering the lottery.

✓ How to enter the Valencia Half Marathon, one of the most prestigious half marathons on the calendar.

The public-entry lottery

Among the most prestigious half marathons, the Valencia Half Marathon stands out for its speed. As mentioned in the introduction, Valencia’s half marathon follows in the footsteps of its bigger sibling, the Valencia Marathon. The course is flat and fast, and the race takes place at a time of year that is ideal for running quick times. In late October, 25,000 runners line up for the Valencia Half Marathon. The event draws athletes from all over the world, and places disappear quickly because it is such a good course for chasing a personal best. To meet demand, the organisers introduced a lottery, as many major marathons have done, including the World Marathon Majors in London, New York, Berlin, Chicago, Boston, Tokyo and Sydney.

The lottery entry window usually opens a few days after the race, in early November. You then have around 10 days to enter the draw. Lottery results are sent directly to runners in mid-November, after which you have roughly 12 days to confirm your place. Any remaining entries are then offered to people on the waiting list.

Priority entry

The organisers of the Valencia Half Marathon and Marathon reward their most loyal runners with priority access for the following edition. To qualify, you need to have taken part in the most recent edition of either the Valencia Half Marathon or Marathon. You then get a four-day priority entry window, usually in late October for the Valencia Half Marathon. Priority runners can enter without going through the lottery and benefit from the lowest entry fee. Miss that window, however, and you lose priority status, meaning you will have to enter the lottery. The system rewards loyal Valencia runners and gives them another chance to chase a fast time on the course.

Travel agencies: turn race weekend into a proper getaway

Valencia is one of Spain’s best-known cities. A vibrant Mediterranean coastal city, it is renowned for its historic heritage, mild climate and seaside atmosphere. It is an enjoyable place to explore on foot, discover by bike, or simply take in the old town and coastline. To help runners make the most of the city’s attractions, the race organisers work with official travel agencies. These agencies can arrange your stay in Spain for the Valencia Half Marathon through all-inclusive packages covering your race entry, accommodation, transport and even sightseeing. Depending on your budget and what you want from the trip, you can tailor your stay with these agencies. Only the event’s official partners can guarantee these packages. The list of official tour operators is available on the race’s official website.

Valencia, a prestigious SuperHalfs member

Since its creation in 2022, the Valencia Half Marathon has joined the select group of SuperHal fs. This international circuit brings together six prestigious half marathons across Europe: Lisbon, Prague, Copenhagen, Cardiff and Berlin. It is an international circuit with clear similarities to the World Marathon Majors. Runners who complete all six races receive a special SuperHalfs medal. The Valencia Half Marathon stands out above all for its exceptionally fast course. The 2025 edition showcased that speed, producing a new European record and five national records.

Sweden’s Andreas Almgren covered the 21.0975 km in a blistering 58:41, becoming the first European to break the 59-minute barrier. He also lowered Sweden’s national record in the process. In 2025, the men’s records for Burundi and South Africa also fell. In the women’s race, the French and Slovenian records were broken.

Entry for semi-elite and elite runners

It goes without saying that elite and high-level runners do not have to rely on the lottery. Elite athletes usually contact the organisers directly to request a place. Their applications are then carefully reviewed. Only a small number of runners go through this process, and qualifying standards apply if you want this route into the race.

For men, at least one of the following three standards must be met:

Sub-30:00 for 10 km or 10,000 m
Sub-1:06:00 for the half marathon
Sub-2:20:00 for the marathon

For women, at least one of the following three standards must be met:

Sub-35:30 for 10 km or 10,000 m
Sub-1:17:30 for the half marathon
Sub-2:45:00 for the marathon
The number of entries allocated to elite runners is limited. The race organisers reserve the right to reject some applications.

With the Valencia Half Marathon attracting so many runners, securing a place is becoming increasingly difficult. You will need plenty of patience to make it to the start line of one of Europe’s most prestigious half marathons.

✓ Find out how to enter the Seville Half Marathon