Runners from all over the world already have their race numbers for Valencia 2016
Runners from all over the world have already registered and bought their race numbers for the two premier running events of La Ciudad del Running. Runners, on the opening of registration, were able to buy race places at a discount. The first 1,000 promotional price places for the Marathon and Half Marathon sold out insanely fast; The Half Marathon sold out in 59 minutes and the Marathon sold out in 52 minutes.
At the start of the year, many runners are looking at their calendars and working out which events they want to test themselves against. The Trinidad Alfonso Valencia Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K are the stand out events in a city that has running events almost every weekend. The reputation, quality and speed of the Marathon and Half Marathon were rewarded with Gold Labels from the IAAF. This puts Valencia in the same category as Tokyo, Berlin and Chicago.
On the 23rd of October 2016 the Trinidad Alfonso Valencia half Marathon will try for the third year running to be the fastest half marathon in the world. The Half marathon attracts world-class record breaking elite athletes alongside a colorful and committed international contingent of amateur runners. Many runners were ready at their computers with their fingers poised on keyboard and mouse to book their race number as soon as registration opened. One of these runners was Italian, Luca Baroncini, native of Florence, home of Michelangelo and the other renaissance masters. This is Luca’s 21st half marathon and it will be his 4th race in Valencia: “As soon as I saw the promotional price of 16€ and the opening date, I knew would be at my computer ready to book and get my race number”. Luca will be making the race a family affair by running with his mother and father, Nello Baroncini and Fiorella Navarrini.
As always, The Trinidad Alfonso Valencia Marathon will have a large cohort of runners who have participated in various editions and have seen the evolution of the race from local race, to Bronze Label, to Silver Label and now to IAAF Gold Label. This is the case for Lluis Clemente Puig, a 35 year-old Valencian who will be taking part in his 3rd race in 2016: “I know I am going to be running in the race every year, so I try to get the early promotional tickets, also, if I get injured before the race I know I can get a discount; but I hope that won’t happen!” he adds with a smile. The Valencian local mentions his love for the race and especially the Valencian people who fill the streets with cheers, support and entertainment: “The entertainment and crowd support is incredible, and the different start times worked out well for all runners. This year I am running with friends, but we will all go at our own pace. For me Valencia is my home and and my race”.
The capital of Spain, Madrid, will be sending flocks of runners to Valencia, as it does every year to the marathon. Madrid may be the capital of Spain, but Valencia is the capital of running in Spain. The 2015 Marathon was recognized as the best marathon in Spain by the Spanish Athletics Federation. Just in these first few days of registration, 146 ‘Madrileños’ have signed up. One such runner is Paula Rodrigo García a club runner for TRIMAD. Paula will be making her debut on the 42.195 meters of Valencia: “It’s my first full marathon and many people have spoken so highly about Valencia, mostly about the flat course and perfect running weather. I’ll be coming with three teammates from my triathlon club, TRIMAD. It’s a race that everybody wants to run.”
Alongside the main marathon, there is the parallel 10K race that starts at the same time as the marathon and from the same start line. The 10K is ideal for travel companions of marathon runners who are not up to the full marathon distance, but would like to take part. Registration for the 10K opens a bit closer to the date of the race. The 10K is incredibly popular and really adds to the inclusivity of what is already a global event that welcomes all tribes, nationalities and personalities. Running the 10k will give you the same spectacular start and flat course, as well as finishing on the floating finish line on the lake of the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. It’s a finish line that is becoming one of the most recognized in the world, and one that you will never forget crossing.
