Valencia’s marathon is a December 42 km race in Spain, officially called the Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Zurich Marathon. It draws more than 35,000 starters, sells out months ahead of race day, and attracts runners from around the world. The timing helps: race temperatures usually sit between 12 and 17 degrees Celsius, which is cool enough for hard running without feeling wintry.
The course is extremely flat, so it suits both experienced runners chasing a personal best and newcomers trying the marathon distance for the first time. The race started in 1981 and now sits among the fastest marathons in the world, with the source ranking it fourth globally for speed and impact. Its scale, quick course, and reliable December conditions make it a serious target race rather than just a holiday run in a Spanish city.