01 — The Race
Spain's fastest half marathon, and one of the best in the world
The Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich is the final race on the SuperHalfs calendar each year. It holds a World Athletics Gold Label, has been repeatedly named the best half marathon in Spain by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, and is one of the fastest half marathon courses on the planet. In 2026 it takes place on Sunday, October 25, with 25,000 runners starting and finishing on Avenida de Tarongers near the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (UPV).
Crossing the finish line · Valencia Half Marathon
The first wave starts at 8:25 on Sunday, October 25, 2026 on Avenida de Tarongers. Runners are placed into colour-coded corrals based on accredited finish time, so your exact start depends on your wave. Aim to arrive at the start area at least 60 minutes early. The cut-off time is 2 hours 45 minutes.
The course is a single 21.0975 km loop through the city with just 16 metres of total elevation gain. From the wide avenues of the north of the city, the route takes you along the banks of the Jardí del Túria, Valencia's spectacular 9km linear park built on the former river bed. It then winds through the medieval old town past the Torres de Quart and Torres de Serranos and along Calle de la Paz and Plaza del Ayuntamiento before looping back to finish on Avenida de Tarongers, close to the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (UPV) where the race also starts. Based on the 2025 route, the 2026 course has not yet been confirmed by the organisers.
The crowd support through the historic quarter is some of the best on the course. Thousands of locals come out to cheer, especially around Plaza del Ayuntamiento and Calle de la Paz. The late-October weather is reliably mild, typically 12 to 18 degrees with a Mediterranean breeze.
For the official race page and full course details, visit the Valencia Ciudad del Running website.
02 — Getting There
Easy to reach from most of Europe
Valencia Airport (VLC), officially Aeropuerto de Manises, is just 8 km west of the city centre with direct flights from most major European cities and connections via Madrid or Barcelona. Getting from the airport into the city is straightforward.
Metro
Lines 3 and 5 run direct from the airport to central stations including Xàtiva and Colón in around 20 minutes. Cost is roughly 4 to 5 euros. The fastest and most straightforward option.
Bus
Line 150 connects the airport to the city centre in 30 to 40 minutes with regular departures throughout the day. Slightly slower but a cheaper option if you have time.
Taxi / App
Taxis are available outside arrivals. Uber and Cabify both operate in Valencia. A taxi to the city centre costs roughly 15 to 20 euros depending on traffic.
Train
Valencia Joaquin Sorolla station is served by Renfe high-speed trains from Madrid (around 1h 45min) and Barcelona (around 2h 30min). A good option if you are already in Spain or combining trips.
- Book flights early. Race weekend draws thousands of international runners and prices rise sharply through September and October.
- The start and finish are on Avenida de Tarongers, close to the City of Arts and Sciences. Staying within walking distance makes race morning much simpler.
- Valencia is a great city to spend a few extra days in. If you can, build in time on either side of the race.
03 — Where to Stay
Book as soon as your entry is confirmed
Valencia fills up fast for race weekend. As soon as you have your place, start looking at accommodation. The best areas depending on what you want from the trip:
City of Arts and Sciences
Best for race day convenience
Start and finish are a short walk away. Hotels here tend to be modern, the Turia Gardens are on your doorstep for a shakeout run, and it is quieter at night than the old town. Worth paying a slight premium for the ease of race morning.
El Carmen / Ciutat Vella
Best for atmosphere
Valencia's medieval heart with Gothic architecture, narrow streets, excellent restaurants, and lively nightlife. You will run through here on race day. Getting to the start requires a metro or short taxi ride.
Ruzafa (Russafa)
Best for local feel
Valencia's most creative neighbourhood with independent cafes, great restaurants, and street art. Close to the Turia Gardens for morning runs. About 20 minutes on foot from the start.
El Cabanyal / Marina
Best for the beach
The historic fishing district, a short walk from the beach. Good access to the seafront for a post-race afternoon. Public transport connects you to the start and finish area easily.
Book early. The Valencia Half is one of the most popular races on the European calendar and the city's hotels fill fast. Prices rise significantly closer to race day.
04 — Where to Eat
Where to eat the night before (and after)
Traditional Valencian paella · Chicken, rabbit, green beans, garrofo beans
Valencia's food scene is exceptional and known for its paella. Traditional Valencian paella is made with chicken, rabbit, green beans, and garrofo beans. It is a lunch dish, rarely eaten for dinner. If you eat meat, the post-race Sunday paella might be one of the best things about racing in Valencia for you. If you are pescatarian, look for paella de marisco (seafood paella). Some restaurants, like Casa Carmela, also have a vegetarian and vegan option.
The night before: carb up, keep it simple
Pasta with a tomato or olive oil-based sauce is the reliable choice. Skip anything heavy, spicy, or unfamiliar. Save the full food experience for after the race. Ruzafa and El Carmen both have good Italian restaurants for a calm, straightforward pre-race dinner.
01
Mercado Central
One of Europe's largest covered markets in a stunning 1928 art nouveau building. Ideal for a relaxed Friday lunch before the Expo. Fresh bread, fruit, jamón, and plenty of light carb-friendly options. Go before noon to beat the crowds.
02
Any of the Italian spots in Ruzafa or El Carmen
Both neighbourhoods have solid, straightforward Italian restaurants. For race eve dinner, aim for pasta with a simple sauce in a calm setting. Nothing new, nothing heavy.
Race morning: keep it familiar
Eat what you train with. If you rely on porridge or toast before a long run, stock your hotel room the night before. There are supermarkets throughout the city centre.
Post-race: you've earned it
This is what you have been looking forward to. Post-race Sunday is the time for the full paella experience.
01
Casa Carmela
Since 1922, still cooking over orange-wood fire near Malvarrosa Beach. Their traditional Valencian paella is prepared in limited quantities each day. One of the most celebrated spots in the city. They also offer a vegetarian and vegan option. Book ahead!
02
La Pepica
On the seafront since 1898. Famous for Valencian paella and seafood in a classic, buzzing atmosphere overlooking the Mediterranean. A post-race Sunday lunch here, medal on the table, is hard to beat.
03
La Riua
A much-awarded family-run restaurant in the historic centre, loved by locals. Known for fresh-made paella and over a dozen rice dish variations. Go early or call ahead to avoid a wait.
04
Restaurante Navarro
A fixture in Valencia since 1951, behind the Town Hall Square, now in its third family generation. Traditional Valencian cuisine right in the city centre. The paella Valenciana with chicken, rabbit, snails, and vegetables is the one to order.
For many of these restaurants you need to book in advance, especially on race Sunday. Make sure to do this well before the weekend.
Horchata and fartons · Horchateria de Santa Catalina
Do not leave without trying horchata and fartons. Horchata is a cold drink made from tiger nuts, creamy and lightly sweet, completely unique to Valencia. Fartons are the soft pastries you dip into it. Head to the Horchateria de Santa Catalina in the old town. The perfect afternoon recovery.
05 — Getting Around
One of Europe's most walkable and bikeable cities
Valencia is easy to navigate. The historic centre is compact, the metro is clean and frequent, and the city has over 150 km of dedicated cycle lanes. For most of a race weekend you will get everywhere on foot, by bike, or with the occasional metro trip.
Metro
Metrovalencia is fast, clean, and reliable. Lines 3 and 5 are most useful, connecting the centre, old town, City of Arts and Sciences, and airport. A Suma10 card (10-trip pass, around 10 euros) saves money over single tickets. Participants sometimes receive metro passes in their race goodie bag.
Valenbisi
Valencia's public bike-share with stations across the city. A short-term pass gives unlimited 30-minute rides between docking stations. Cycling through the Turia Gardens from the old town down to the City of Arts and Sciences is one of the best things you can do in Valencia.
Bus (EMT)
The EMT network covers the whole city including beach areas the metro does not reach. Lines 30, 31, 71, 81, and C3 connect to the race start zone. Buy a bono card or use contactless payment on board.
On foot
The city centre, old town, Turia Gardens, and City of Arts and Sciences are all comfortably walkable and well connected. For a shakeout the day before, the flat Turia Gardens path is ideal.
Taxi / Uber / Cabify
All operate in Valencia. Useful for early mornings or late nights, less so on race morning when roads around Tarongers are closed. Book early if using an app on race morning.
On race morning: roads around Avenida de Tarongers will be closed from early. Plan to arrive by metro, bus, or on foot. The Valencia Tourist Card (available in 24h, 48h, or 72h versions) gives unlimited public transport access plus discounts at museums and attractions.
06 — Race Day
What to expect when you get there
The Valencia Half is one of the most well-organised races in Europe. With 25,000 runners on a closed course through the city centre, knowing what to expect makes everything easier.
Bib pickup
There is no bib pickup on race day. All runners must collect their bib, race wristband, and goodie bag at the Runners Expo at Feria Valencia on the Friday or Saturday before the race (9am to 9pm both days). Bring your QR code and official photo ID. Avoid the busiest windows of 12:00 to 14:00 and 18:00 to 20:00. The Expo is accessible by metro (stop: Carolines/Fira on Line 2, or tram Line 4).
The start on Avenida de Tarongers · 25,000 runners
On race morning
- Aim to arrive at the start area at least 60 minutes before your wave. Roads around Avenida de Tarongers will be closed to traffic from early morning.
- Bag drop is near the Mirador roundabout at the start of Tarongers. It fills up quickly so allow plenty of time.
- Portable toilets are available at the start, at the finish, and at aid stations along the route.
- Find your corral from the colour and number on your bib. Each wave corresponds to an accredited time range from your registration. Start in the right corral.
- Water and isotonic drinks are available at aid stations throughout the course. Take on fluids early, before you feel thirsty.
- Dress for 12 to 18 degrees. Late October in Valencia is usually dry and mild, but check the forecast the day before. A coastal headwind is possible in the final kilometres.
After the finish
Based on the 2025 route, the finish is on Avenida de Tarongers near the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (UPV), the same area where the race starts. The 2026 finish location has not yet been confirmed by the organisers. After crossing, collect your medal and keep moving through the recovery area. That afternoon, the 21K Medal Party takes place at the Umbracle Terraza within the City of Arts and Sciences, free entry for all finishers. Free showers are available at the Polideportivo de Benimaclet sports centre from 10:00 to 14:00.
City of Arts and Sciences · Valencia, Spain
07 — Things to Do
Making the most of Valencia beyond the race
Valencia is one of Spain's most enjoyable cities. Less frantic than Barcelona, sunnier and more relaxed than Madrid, with architecture that spans medieval Gothic to Calatrava's futuristic complex and a food culture that punches well above its weight. Save the longer walks and bike rides for after the race. Before it, keep the legs easy.
The must-sees
🏛️
City of Arts and Sciences
Calatrava's futuristic complex. You will run past it on race day. Worth exploring properly. L'Oceanografic, Europe's largest aquarium, is inside and takes 2 to 3 hours. Book tickets online to skip queues.
🌿
Jardi del Turia
A 9km linear park built on the former Turia river bed, running through the heart of the city. Walk it, cycle it, or use it for your Saturday shakeout run. You will also run along it during the race. One of the finest urban green spaces in Europe.
🕌
Valencia Cathedral
Built between the 13th and 15th centuries in the old town. The El Miguelete bell tower has panoramic views across the city. The cathedral allegedly houses the Holy Grail. Worth a visit either way.
🏺
La Lonja de la Seda
The Silk Exchange. A UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 15th century, one of the finest examples of Valencian Gothic architecture. Free entry on Sundays.
🎨
San Nicolas Church
Known as the Sistine Chapel of Valencia for its extraordinary ceiling frescoes. Easy to miss if you don't know it's there. Book a time slot in advance. Worth every minute.
🏖️
Malvarrosa Beach
Valencia's main city beach. Wide, sandy, and easily reached by tram or bike from the centre. A post-race afternoon here is hard to beat. The promenade has plenty of seafood restaurants.
🛒
Mercado Central
One of Europe's largest covered markets in a beautiful 1928 art nouveau building. Good for a Friday lunch before the Expo.
🎭
Ruzafa neighbourhood
Valencia's most creative district. Independent coffee shops, bookshops, street art, and the city's best brunch spots. A brilliant way to spend a Saturday morning before heading to the Expo.
Circuit Valencia Ciudad del Running · Jardi del Turia
The pre-race Saturday plan: easy shakeout in the Turia Gardens (4 to 5km, very easy). Valencia has a dedicated running lane called the Valencia Running City Circuit that runs through the Turia Gardens and is more than 5km long. Mercado Central for a light lunch. Expo at Feria Valencia in the afternoon to pick up your bib and wristband. Go before noon or after 4pm to avoid peak queues. Early dinner near your hotel. In bed by 10pm.
08 — Runner Tips
Things runners wish they'd known before Valencia
Collected from race reports, runner communities, and people who have run this course more than once. The stuff that doesn't make it onto the official website.
The course is flat, but flat doesn't mean easy. There are no natural moments to slow down or recover. If you go out too fast in the first few kilometres because you feel good, you will pay for it after km 15. Start conservatively.
Multiple runner reports
The crowd noise through the historic quarter, around km 12 to 16, is some of the loudest on the course. If you are struggling mentally at that point, the noise will carry you. Don't give up before you get there.
Valencia Half Marathon 2024/2025 runner accounts
There is no bib pickup on race day. You must attend the Expo at Feria Valencia on the Friday or Saturday before. Bring your QR code and photo ID. Avoid peak hours: 12:00 to 14:00 and 18:00 to 20:00.
Official race information
A lot of practical race information is published closer to the race date and shared via the official Instagram account @mediomaratonvlc. The race organisation also releases an official race guide before the event. Follow the account and keep an eye out for it.
RunLetters recommendation
The 21K Medal Party is free for all finishers at La Umbrella in the City of Arts and Sciences on Sunday afternoon. Go. It is a proper celebration, not just a tent with bananas. A great way to end race day.
Race organisers and runner experience
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