© Maratón Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Zurich
How to Register for the Valencia Marathon?
The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich has become, in just a few years, a true Mecca for time chasers. Awarded World Athletics Platinum Label, voted Best Marathon in Spain, and widely regarded as one of the fastest marathons in the world, Valencia attracts runners from every corner of the globe each year. Ideal weather, a pancake-flat course, and extraordinary elite density—everything is in place to smash a personal best. The 2026 edition will take place on December 6, and attention is already turning to this next one, as a major change is coming to the registration process. For the first time, entry will be allocated via a lottery, similar to London, Berlin, or New York. A true game-changer that completely reshapes how runners secure a bib. Here’s everything you need to know to register—whether you’re a loyal returnee or applying for the first time.
| Registration: Priority Access, Lottery & Key Dates
When people think of the Valencia Marathon, they think speed, records, a lightning-fast course, and elite performance. Yet there is no qualifying time standard and no sub-elite program for fast amateur runners. Until now, entry followed a classic registration model—but starting in 2026, things change. There are now two ways to try to secure a bib:
✔ Priority access for runners registered in 2025
If you are registered for the 2025 marathon, you’ll benefit from a 4-day priority window to purchase a 2026 bib without entering the lottery. Dates: December 11–15, 2025 (just after race day on December 7). This priority access is a decisive advantage. Runners who do not use it must go through the lottery, with no guarantee of securing a bib. Given current trends, demand for the 2026 edition is expected to be even higher.
✔ Public lottery
If you did not run Valencia in 2025, you must enter the lottery. Lottery opens on December 16, 2025, and closes late December. Results will be communicated by email after the draw. To enter, runners must provide personal details and a valid credit card. A €5 temporary pre-authorization will be applied for 15 days (not charged). One entry per person only—any duplicate attempt will result in disqualification.
The maximum field for 2026 is set at 35,000 runners. Once all places are allocated, an official waiting list will open.
| How Much Does a Valencia Marathon Bib Cost?
Valencia uses a dynamic pricing system with price tiers that increase progressively. Here are the prices for the 2026 edition:
➜ First 10,000 bibs (priority purchase): €80
➜ Bibs 10,001–20,000 (priority + lottery): €180
➜ Bibs 20,001–35,000 (lottery): €180
➜ Waiting list bib: €200
Registration is completed on the official race website. As previously reported, 14,000 runners from the 2024 edition used priority access to secure a 2025 bib, representing 38% of the field—a clear sign of runner loyalty. Note: Starting in 2026, the Marathon + Half Marathon combo will no longer be available.
| How Does the Lottery Work?
Entering the lottery is free (aside from the temporary €5 hold). You may register up to three people at once, but each runner has only one individual chance.
✔ If selected, you’ll have 12 days to finalize your registration.
✔ If you miss the deadline, your bib is forfeited and reallocated via the waiting list.
✔ If not selected, you may either join the waiting list or register through an official tour operator.
✔ From February 1, it will be possible to change the name on a bib (paid option).
| Travel Agencies: The Stress-Free Option
For runners who want a seamless Valencia experience, many international tour operators offer packages including flight + hotel + race bib. This avoids the lottery—but at a significantly higher cost. The list of official tour operators is available on the race’s website. For runners who already have a bib, the official agency Welcome to Valencia offers hotel packages with late checkout for runners, exclusive services, bilingual assistance, and partner gifts.
| Charity Programs
Details for 2026 charity entries have not yet been confirmed. Each year, however, the organizer highlights a charity and encourages runners to donate during registration. In 2024, nearly €80,000 was donated to the Unoentrecienmil Foundation, which fights leukemia. In 2025, the partner is the Pequeño Deseo Foundation. It’s likely that future charity partners will offer charity bibs; for updates, runners should contact the organizer or the charity directly.
Key Info – Valencia Marathon
- Date: December 6, 2026
- Participants: 35 000
- Label: World Athletics Platinum
- Elevation gain: 70 m (completely flat course)
- Average temperature: 9–15°C
- Goal: Fast times, personal bests, exceptional depth
- Course records: Men: 2:01:48 by Sisay Lemma (2023 – 6th fastest performance ever) and Women: 2:14:58 by Amane Beriso (2022 – 5th fastest performance ever)
- Time limit: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Price: €80–€200 depending on purchase date
| A World-Class Organization—Major-Level Quality
Valencia isn’t officially a Major, but everything about it meets Major standards: world-class performances, elite density, a massive expo, perfectly marked course, countless volunteers, optimized aid stations, and electric atmosphere with numerous cheering zones. The race is widely considered one of the best-organized marathons in the world and consistently receives international awards. It also remains Spain’s top marathon, according to the Spanish Athletics Federation.
| One of the Fastest Courses on the Planet
Plaça de la Marató, wide avenues, a city-center loop, historic districts, and an iconic finish on the blue carpet at the City of Arts and Sciences—the Valencia course is a showcase of modern road racing.
Completely flat, at sea level, and sheltered from the wind, it’s the perfect formula for chasing a PB. The numbers speak for themselves: Valencia is Europe’s densest marathon, with exceptional numbers of runners under 2:10, 2:20, and 3:00.
© Maratón Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Zurich
Securing a bib for the Valencia Marathon has become a real challenge—but it’s more than worth it. With flawless organization, an ultra-fast course, and a unique atmosphere, Valencia remains one of the most beloved marathons among running enthusiasts. If it’s on your bucket list, get ready to cross your fingers—the lottery is now your best ally.
✔ Find all registration details for the Valencia Marathon
Clément LABORIEUX
Journalist
