Valencia Marathon 2026 Ballot is NOW OPEN: How to Secure Your Spot
ELITE & INDUSTRY NEWSTOP STORIES
For years, the Valencia Marathon held a unique position in the global marathon landscape. It was widely known as one of the fastest courses in the world, yet it remained refreshingly accessible.
That era is over.
Beginning with the 2026 edition, the Valencia Marathon will move to a ballot-based entry system, driven by unprecedented international demand. Valencia officially joins the ranks of the world’s most sought-after marathons—a symbolic shift that reflects just how far the race has come.
From Hidden Gem to Global Obsession
Valencia’s rise has been anything but accidental. Over the past decade, the race has built a reputation as a proving ground for speed.
The Formula: Flat roads, wide avenues, sea-level elevation, and near-perfect December weather.
The Depth: Thousands of runners finishing under three hours is now a defining characteristic.
The Result: Elite athletes increasingly choose Valencia as a primary target for national records and Olympic qualifiers.
As word spread, demand followed. What was once a race you could plan late in the year has become a global destination that runners organize entire seasons around.
How the 2026 Valencia Marathon Ballot Works
The window to enter the ballot is short. If you miss these dates, you miss the race:
Ballot Opens: December 16 at 11:00 a.m. (Spanish time)
Ballot Closes: December 26 at 10:59 a.m. (Spanish time)
Official Link: Apply via the Valencia Marathon Registration Page
Key Logistics to Note:
Entry Fee: The ballot is free to enter, but requires a €5 security hold to prevent fraud.
Selection: If selected, you have 15 days to pay the full entry fee of €180.
Group Entries: You can apply as a group of up to three. If one member is selected, all members receive a spot.
Security: Identification details cannot be modified once entered, preventing the resale or transfer of bibs.
Why Valencia Remains the World's Fastest Course
Flat courses exist everywhere, but Valencia’s advantage lies in rhythm. The course features gentle turns and broad roads that minimize disruption. This means fewer surges, fewer pace corrections, and less wasted energy over 42.2 kilometers.
The race is engineered for efficiency. Pacers are precise, logistics are smooth, and the event unfolds with a level of professionalism that amateur and elite athletes notice immediately.
Atmosphere, Climate, and Psychology
The city of Valencia embraces this race with more than 200 cheering points lining the course. From a performance perspective, this crowd energy lowers perceived effort and helps athletes sustain pace late into the race.
Optimal Climate: Typically ranges from 12 to 17 degrees Celsius.
Simplified Strategy: Predictable weather means fueling and hydration plans survive contact with race day.
Recovery: Athletes can finish and immediately enjoy Mediterranean food and sea air—a rare blend of intensity and ease.
The Finish That Changed Everything
No discussion of Valencia is complete without its finish line. The final stretch across the blue carpet at the City of Arts and Sciences is iconic. Suspended over water and framed by futuristic architecture, it is both visually striking and emotionally powerful. For many, that final 500 meters is the moment that defines the entire experience—exhaustion giving way to adrenaline.
A New Chapter for a Defining Race
The move to a ballot confirms what the running world has known for years: this is a destination race. For runners hoping to take part in 2026, planning matters now. Valencia remains rooted in performance and possibility—only now, the rest of the world is paying attention.