Valencia Half Marathon 2025 — The Ultimate Guide for Runners & Spectators

If you’re planning to participate in or follow theValencia Half Marathon 2025 Trinidad Alfonso Zurich (scheduled for Sunday, 26 October 2025) in Valencia, Spain, you’ve come to the right place. In this detailed, SEO-friendly guide we’ll cover everything you need to know — from why this race is so special, how to register (and what to do if it’s sold out), what the course is like, travel & accommodation tips, what to expect on race day, and how to make the most of your experience.

Official event site: Valencia Ciudad del Running – Half Marathon (Valencia Ciudad del Running)

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1. Why the Valencia Half Marathon stands out

Prestige, speed and atmosphere

• The Valencia Half Marathon is awarded the title of “best half marathon in Spain” by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA).
• It is also part of the prestigious SuperHalfs series (six top-half marathons in Europe) for 2025.
• The course is exceptionally fast: for example, the men’s world record for the half marathon (57:30) was set in Valencia in 2024 by Yomif Kejelcha.
• According to the official presentation: “The Valencian 21K is the ideal circuit to achieve a very fast time.”

Race popularity & demand

• The field is capped at around 25,000 bibs for the half marathon.
• For 2025, race bibs sold out extremely rapidly after registration opened to the general public (less than three hours for the 12,000 bibs opened that day).
• The event generates significant tourism revenue — one article notes the half marathon alone generates over €13.6 million in tourism spending.

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2. Event details: date, registration, key facts

Date & event info

• Date: Sunday, 26 October 2025.
• Location: Valencia city centre, Spain, starting from Avinguda dels Tarongers (as per official listing).
• Staggered start times: from 8:25 a.m. onward to 12:20 p.m. for different start waves.

Registration & cost

• Official registration fee: Around €80 for the half marathon in 2025.
• The field is sold out as of early December 2024 for 2025, and a waiting list is in place.
• As part of the SuperHalfs series, note that there will be no time limit to complete the circuit from 2025 onward.

Key technical data

• Distance: 21.0975 kilometres (half marathon).
• Course category: Gold Label Road Race (by World Athletics) for the half marathon.
• Past course records: Men – 57:30 (2024), Women – 1:02:52 (2021).

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3. The course route & features

Route overview

• The course winds through Valencia’s most iconic locations: it begins near the City of Arts & Sciences, loops through the Camins al Grau and Algirós districts, passes the Jardí del Túria and returns toward the finish.
• The terrain is flat and fast, which is why so many top times have been achieved here.
• The route includes part of the city centre and the maritime quarter, offering both urban and scenic views.

Why it’s fast & runner-friendly

• The flat profile means fewer uphill sections or major elevation changes.
• The weather in Valencia in late October tends to be mild and favourable for distance running.
• The event is well-organised, with staggered starts and robust support.
• Because of both these factors, many runners target this race for PBs (personal bests).

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4. How to register & alternate options

Direct registration

• Visit the official site Valencia Ciudad del Running where registration is managed.
• Check for available spots or join the waiting list if the field is full. As of publication, 2025 half marathon bibs are sold out for direct registration.

Waiting list & transfer options

• Because it’s sold out, the waiting list is your current best option. You’ll need to register your interest and wait for cancellations.
• Some runners organise bib transfers (officially sanctioned) — be sure to use only official channels to avoid scams.
• As one Reddit user put it: “I am in the same waiting pool … 5024. I doubt it is happening.”

Looking ahead

• For future editions (2026 and onward), the organisers plan a lottery entry system to allocate bibs.
• If you secure a spot in 2025, you may gain priority access for 2026.

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5. Travel, accommodation & logistics

Getting to Valencia

• Valencia has good access via train, bus and/or flights depending on your origin.
• The race start area (Avinguda dels Tarongers) is in the city centre so staying nearby offers convenience.
• Local public transport (metro lines L4, L6; bus lines 30, 31, 71, 81, C3) connect to the start zone.

Where to stay

• Book accommodation early — because the event draws large numbers of international runners and supporters, hotels fill quickly.
• Neighborhoods near the start/finish area (City of Arts & Sciences, city centre) are ideal for minimizing pre-race stress and easy access to baggage drop, start corrals and post-race recovery.
• For budget-friendly or alternate accommodation, consider booking slightly further out and using public transport to reach the start line.

Race-day logistics

• Start waves are staggered between 8:25 a.m. and 12:20 p.m. — plan your arrival accordingly.
• Check the official site for Runner’s Expo and bib/packet pickup details (typically the day before the race).
• If travelling with family or supporters, consider transportation closures; many roads will be closed or restricted during the race so allow extra time to reach vantage points.

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6. Preparation tips for runners

Training & race goals

• Because the course is flat and fast, many runners target personal best (PB) times here.
• Build a training plan: focus on consistent mileage, a mix of tempo runs, long runs, and some speed work.
• Simulate race-day conditions in your training (e.g., running at similar time of day, practising fueling/hydration, tapering before race week).
• If you’re aiming for a time goal, make sure your training leads into a realistic pace for your current fitness level.

What to pack & bring

• Ensure you bring your bib / race number and any required ID.
• Race kit: comfortable running gear suited for ~12-17°C weather (typical for Valencia in late October).
• Fuel/hydration plan: know where water and energy stations are located along the course (check race map).
• Finish-line recovery gear: a light jacket, some food/snacks, and water to help you recover post-race.
• Supportive shoes and gear that you have used in training (avoid brand-new gear on race day).

Race-day strategy

• Arrive early to park/transport to the start area, use the toilets, warm up properly.
• Start in the corral that corresponds to your expected finish time — don’t start too far ahead and risk hitting a wall.
• Pace yourself: the flat course is attractive for fast times but going out too fast may backfire in final kilometres.
• Use the crowd, the scenery and the adrenaline to keep motivation high; the last 5 km will likely have strong support.
• After crossing the finish line, keep walking for a few minutes (don’t stop abruptly) and follow organisers’ instructions for medal collection, bag pick-up, and recovery zone.

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7. What else you can do in Valencia

Enjoy the city

• The city of Valencia is full of culture, great food (don’t miss paella!), beaches near the city, and historical districts.
• If you travel early or stay extra, plan a light run along the beach or visit the Jardí del Túria (a green park in the city).
• Many runners bring family/friends who can explore while you race — so consider scheduling sightseeing before or after race day.

Post-race celebrations

• Finish line festivals often include music, food stalls, and an atmosphere of celebration — soak in the moment!
• Grab official race merchandise or event-specific gear to mark your achievement.
• Take photos near the City of Arts & Sciences, on the course, and of the medal — memories matter.

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8. FAQs: Common questions & answers

Q1. Is this race only for elite runners?
A: No — although the field is fast and elite athletes compete, the race welcomes recreational runners. The flat course means many runners of varying ability enjoy the experience.

Q2. Can I still register even though the race is sold out?
A: Yes — you can join the official waiting list. Also check for official bib transfers. Be cautious of unofficial third-party offers.

Q3. What is the cancellation or transfer policy?
A: Check the official event site for terms. Some bibs are non-transferable or carry a fee. Use only the official transfer channel if available.

Q4. What weather should I expect in late October?
A: Typical temperatures in Valencia in late October are mild, often around 12-17 °C. The conditions are favourable for running.

Q5. Can spectators join or watch the race?
A: Yes — friends and family are welcome. Plan meeting points and note road closures. Many vantage points along the course offer excellent views.

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9. Summary & final thoughts

The Valencia Half Marathon 2025 presents an incredible opportunity for runners seeking a fast, scenic, and professionally organised race. With world-record credentials, a flat and runner-friendly course, and a vibrant city as backdrop, this event ticks many boxes.
However, the high demand means you’ll need to plan early — registration for 2025 is already sold out, so uses the waiting list or consider planning for 2026 (when the lottery system will kick in). Your travel and accommodation logistics, training plan, and race strategy will all play a part in making your experience memorable. For spectators, Valencia offers a great weekend of city life, good food, and scenic running culture.

Good luck to all runners aiming for the Valencia Half Marathon 2025! If you’d like a printable training plan, hotel recommendations in Valencia, or tips for best spectator spots, I’d be happy to help.