Valencia Marathon: Guide to the Ballot, Wave Starts, Prices and Strategy
The Valencia Marathon is in such demand that, since the 2026 edition, bibs are allocated by ballot. If you want to run it, this guide covers what the official rules say: date, wave start times, prices, how the ballot works, bib collection and a race strategy.
Valencia Marathon key facts
According to the official Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich 2026 rules:
| Item | 2026 edition |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday 6 December 2026 |
| First start | 8:15, in nine waves until 9:35 |
| Distance | 42.195 km, urban course certified by AIMS and the RFEA |
| Label | World Athletics Platinum Label |
| Time limit | 5 hours 30 minutes from when you cross the start |
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Places | 36,000 bibs |
| Price | 80 euros for bibs 1 to 10,000 and 180 euros for the rest and ballot places, plus a 5-euro day licence if you are not a federation member |
How to get a Valencia Marathon bib: the ballot
According to the official registration information, since 2026 the process works like this:
- A 4-day priority window, right after the previous edition, for those who had a bib that year.
- Free registration for the ballot, over about ten days in December. A bank card is required, with a temporary 5-euro hold.
- A ballot before a notary in mid-January. Successful applicants have about 12 days to pay for their bib.
- Unfilled places go to the official waiting list, at a price of 200 euros.
You can enter the ballot individually or in a group of up to three. The organisers only recognise their own registration platform and the travel packages of their authorised agencies.
Valencia Marathon wave starts
The start is split into nine waves according to your certified time:
| Time | Finish time |
|---|---|
| 8:15 | Under 2:50 |
| 8:25 | 2:50 to 2:59:59 |
| 8:35 | 3:00 to 3:11:59 |
| 8:45 | 3:12 to 3:19:59 |
| 8:55 | 3:20 to 3:31:59 |
| 9:05 | 3:32 to 3:42:59 |
| 9:15 | 3:43 to 3:55:59 |
| 9:25 | 3:56 to 4:09:59 |
| 9:35 | From 4:10 |
If you register with a goal under 3:32, you must provide proof of a marathon, half, 15K or 10K time from the last three years. You can change wave free of charge until 6 November, and until 26 November for 25 euros.
There is an intermediate cut-off: anyone passing kilometre 25 after 12:57 must leave the race.
Changes, withdrawals and refunds
- Transfer: only through the official platform. The new runner pays the current price and you are refunded what you paid minus 5 euros.
- Withdrawal through injury with a medical certificate: 75% refund until 6 September and 50% until 6 November.
- Withdrawal through pregnancy: 100% refund minus 5 euros.
- Entries cannot be deferred to the following year.
Bib collection: Expo 42K
The bib with chip is collected in person at the Expo 42K, at Feria Valencia, on the Thursday evening, Friday and Saturday before. Bibs are not handed out on Sunday. You can authorise someone else to collect it from your runner area.
Valencia Marathon strategy
The course has World Athletics Platinum Label status, the highest category for road races. Check the profile on the official website and bear the following in mind:
- Carb load in the days before; I explain it in the guide to carb loading.
- With the start split into nine waves, there is no need to go out fast to find space. Start calmly and settle into your pace; the strategy is in the guide to the negative split.
- Carry your gels and start taking them early; there is how many in the guide to running gels.
- If you are travelling, arrive with time to visit the Expo; there are tips in the guide to travelling to a race.
If you need more preparation, there is the marathon training plan and the guide to the sub-4 marathon.
Conclusion
The 2026 Valencia Marathon is on Sunday 6 December, with a wave start from 8:15, 36,000 bibs and a 5 hour 30 minute time limit. Since 2026 bibs are allocated by ballot in December and January, so register as soon as it opens. Dates and prices change each edition, so check the official website before you enter.
FAQ
When is the Valencia Marathon?
The 2026 edition is on Sunday 6 December, with the first start at 8:15.
How do you get a bib for the Valencia Marathon?
Since 2026, through a free ballot you register for in December. Runners from the previous edition have a priority window.
How much does the Valencia Marathon cost?
In 2026, 80 euros for the first 10,000 bibs and 180 euros for the rest, plus a 5-euro day licence if you are not a federation member.
What is the time limit?
5 hours 30 minutes from when you cross the start, with a cut-off at kilometre 25 at 12:57.
Can you collect your bib on race day?
No. It is collected at the Expo 42K from Thursday to Saturday.
