If you’re coming to Valencia on the weekend of 25 October for the Half Marathon, this won’t just be a 21-kilometre race. It’ll be your first taste of a city that combines sport, gastronomy and a way of life that’s well worth extending beyond the finish line.
This guide brings together everything you need to know: when and where the race takes place, how to collect your race number, how to get around the city during the event, where to eat before and after the race, and even a map showing the exact points along the route where you can wait for the runner without missing a thing. Whether you’re the one lacing up your trainers or coming along to cheer on the runners, by the time you’ve finished reading this guide, you won’t have a single question left unanswered.
The 2026 Valencia Half Marathon: the essentials
The Trinidad Alfonso Zurich Valencia Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 25 October 2026, marking its 35th edition. The race covers 21.097 km along a flat, fast course; it holds World Athletics Gold Label status and is recognised by the RFEA as the best half marathon in Spain.
It forms part of the international SuperHalfs circuit, alongside Lisbon, Prague, Copenhagen, Cardiff and Berlin, and world records have been broken on its streets: the women’s record by Letesenbet Gidey in 2021 and, previously, the men’s record by Kibiwott Kandie in 2020. In the 2025 edition, Andreas Almgren set the European record and Alessia Zarbo set the French national record. It is no coincidence that it is known as one of the fastest races in the world.
It is organised by the Sociedad Deportiva Correcaminos, attracting around 25,000 runners from over a hundred countries.
Practical information: from 2026 onwards, race numbers will be allocated by lottery, with priority access for those who ran in the previous edition. If you don’t have a race number, you can join the waiting list on the official Valencia Ciudad del Running
Start, finish and route
The start and finish are located on Avenida dels Tarongers, next to the campuses of the University of Valencia and the Polytechnic University. From there, the route enters the historic centre and passes landmarks such as Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Calle Colón and Paseo de l’Alameda, before returning to Tarongers.
Runners will set off in several staggered waves from 8.25 am, and the last runners are expected to cross the finish line at around 12 noon. The route may vary slightly from one year to the next, so it is advisable to check the updated official route in the days leading up to the event.
Race number collection: 21K Expo, Feria Valencia
Before the race, there’s one essential stop: the 21K Expo, in Hall 5 at Feria Valencia, where you’ll collect your race number, runner’s bag and wristband granting access to the start line.
- Dates: Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October.
- What to bring: ID (collection is in person only and non-transferable).
- How to get there: Tram Line 4 to Feria Valencia, or EMT Bus Line 62.
- Also: the Expo features a food court, sports brand stands and La Placeta, a talk area open to the public — whether you’re running or not — free of charge.
If you’re coming from out of town, make the most of Friday or Saturday morning to collect your race number at your leisure before the place starts to get busy.
How to get around Valencia that weekend
The running event takes place throughout the city, so some streets will be closed to traffic on those days:
- Avenida dels Tarongers will be closed from Friday at 22:00 until Sunday at 21:00.
- On Sunday, the Avenida Catalunya–Tarongers roundabout will be closed from 4.30 am to 10.30 am, and the rest of the road closures along the route will come into effect from 7.30 am.
- Traffic will return to normal in most parts of the city around 1.00 pm.
- To get to the start area: metro lines L4 and L6, or bus routes 30, 31, 71, 81 and C3.
- If you’re staying in the city centre, the easiest way to get around on those days is by metro, bus or on foot. Private traffic will be restricted, and finding a parking space near Tarongers won’t be easy.
The day before: what to do on the Saturday before the race
Saturday is the day to collect your race number, take a leisurely stroll around the city and eat well without overdoing it. No experimental dishes or heavy meals: stay hydrated, eat good-quality carbohydrates and keep your after-lunch chat brief.
A good option for Saturday lunchtime is TATEL Valencia, right in the heart of the historic centre (C/ Pascual i Genís, 19). Its lunchtime offering — Mediterranean cuisine with an international twist, in a bright setting without the venue’s lively night-time atmosphere — is perfect for a pre-race meal: generous, yet not heavy, and with plenty of time to digest before resting.
What’s more, this Saturday there’s ‘tardeo’ – the ideal way to enjoy Valencia in the afternoon, with food and good music in the city centre with your friends.
If you’re travelling with people who don’t run, Saturday is a different story for them: TATEL offers dinner-and-a-show from Wednesday to Saturday, with live music and an atmosphere that changes as the night goes on, and on Fridays and Saturdays it transforms into TATEL Nights, its nightclub. It’s a brilliant plan for anyone who doesn’t have to get up early the next day — but if you’re running, it’s best to save it for another night of your trip and prioritise getting some rest.
Bookings at tatelrestaurants.com or on +34 960130970
Race day: runners and supporters
For runners, the key factors are already decided in the weeks leading up to the race: the training plan, your usual breakfast and rest. This guide is no substitute for the advice of your coach or a sports nutritionist, so avoid trying anything new on race day.
For those accompanying runners, here’s some good news: we’ve identified the exact points along the route where you’ll meet up with our local volunteers, so that waiting is a brilliant experience too.
Race map: where to wait for the runner (and where to eat in the meantime)
For those accompanying the runners, there’s no need to wander aimlessly around the city: the route passes right past some restaurants well worth a visit, so waiting can become an experience in itself.
1. Plaza del Ayuntamiento (km ~12–13) — the most scenic stretch of the route. There are three venues here: Atenea Sky, on a rooftop with 360° views where you can watch the runners go by from above; Ateneo, with a quiet table in a historic building, ideal for children; and, a two-minute walk away, TATEL Valencia. This is the spot with the most options for waiting in comfort.
2. Paseo de la Alameda — within the Turia Gardens The route passes right along this promenade, where you’ll find Jardines del Palau, with its terrace nestled amongst the trees. It opens at 9.00 am, perfect for breakfast or a light snack whilst you wait for the runners to pass by. Ideal, with affordable prices for breakfast and a drink.
3. El Cabanyal — the stretch back towards the finish line. In the final few kilometres, the route enters El Cabanyal, very close to Madre. It’s a great spot to cheer on runners near the finish and, if you’ve already finished, to stay and celebrate: by day it’s a restaurant; by night it turns into a club.
4. Avinguda dels Tarongers — start and finish This is the official meeting point: where you see the runner off in the morning and where you welcome them back as they cross the finish line.
After crossing the finish line: how to celebrate in style
This is where Valencia has an advantage that few cities can offer: finishing a race in the morning and, a couple of hours later, sitting down to a plate of rice by l’Albufera.
With the finish line approaching around midday, there’s plenty of time to have a shower, rest for a while and make your way to Maravella,, in Pinedo, on the road to l’Albufera, about 20–25 minutes from the town centre. It’s a contemporary farmhouse surrounded by vegetable plots and gardens, with a traditional barn taking centre stage: the perfect setting for a long after-lunch chat following your exertions.
His cuisine centres on seasonal produce — many of the vegetables are grown in his own vegetable patch — and he pays particular attention to Valencian rice dishes, with options such as cuttlefish, blanquet and figatell rice, or a black fideuá with baby cuttlefish, sobrasada and spring garlic. If you’re craving something comforting after a 21 km run, few options are better suited than this.
And if you decide to make the afternoon last a little longer, Maravella’s terrace becomes one of the most special spots in the area at sunset, with signature cocktails and views of the orchards as the sun goes down. Just remember to book in advance, especially at weekends when the city is so busy.
Calle del Río, 397, Pinedo (Albufera area).
Venues in the best locations in Valencia, at a glance
You don’t have to wait for the Half Marathon to visit the rest. If you’re staying for a few more days, here’s what each one has to offer:
TATEL Valencia — lunch and dinner with a show from Wednesday to Saturday, and TATEL Nights from Thursday to Saturday for those who fancy a party.
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Atenea Sky — a rooftop bar overlooking the Town Hall Square, perfect for a cocktail at sunset.
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Ateneo — classic Valencian cuisine in a historic building, ideal for a relaxed family meal.
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Jardines del Palau — breakfasts surrounded by the natural beauty of the Turia, without leaving the city centre.
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Madre — a restaurant by day, a nightclub by night, right on the beach in Cabanyal.
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Maravella — the ultimate way to celebrate after crossing the finish line: rice dishes by the Albufera.
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Front — fine dining and a great atmosphere overlooking the harbour, in La Marina, with a DJ at the weekends.
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Saiti — signature cuisine by chef Vicente Patiño, recognised by the Michelin Guide, for a special dinner in Ruzafa.
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L’Estibador — rice dishes right on the beach in El Saler, an alternative to Maravella with the Mediterranean as a backdrop.
If you’re staying in Valencia for a few more days
Many runners use the Half Marathon as an excuse to stay for a whole long weekend. If that’s the case for you, race day on Sunday is just the start:
- The City of Arts and Sciences, on foot or by bike along the old Turia riverbed.
- The Barrio del Carmen, to wander aimlessly amongst street art and outdoor cafés.
- The Albufera Natural Park, with a boat trip at sunset, very close to where you’ve had lunch at Maravella.
- Malvarrosa Beach, for a few hours of active relaxation before or after the race.
If you’re staying until the following Friday or Saturday, a night at TATEL Nights is a great way to round off your trip for those who’ve already recovered.
Suggested itinerary for the weekend
Friday: arrival, collect your race number at the 21K Expo and take a leisurely stroll through the city centre. Saturday: active rest day, a light lunch at TATEL and an early night. Sunday: race in the morning, followed by a celebratory meal of rice and a sunset at Maravella. Monday (if you’re staying on): a leisurely, unhurried visit to the City of Arts and Sciences or the Albufera.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 2026 Valencia Half Marathon? On Sunday 25 October 2026.
Where can I collect my race number? At the Expo 21K at Feria Valencia, Hall 5, on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 October. You must bring proof of identity.
Where are the start and finish lines? On Avenida dels Tarongers, next to the university campuses.
Can I still get a race number? Race numbers for 2026 are allocated by lottery and usually sell out months in advance. If you haven’t got yours yet, check the waiting list on the official website.
Where can I eat before and after the race? On Saturday, enjoy a light meal at TATEL Valencia, right in the city centre. After crossing the finish line, treat yourself to a leisurely rice dish at Maravella, next to l’Albufera.
Where can my family wait whilst I’m running? In the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, on the Paseo de la Alameda or in the Cabanyal: these are the three points along the route where several of our local spots are also located, so waiting can be a great way to spend the time. You’ll find all the details in the ‘Race Map’ section of this guide.
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