The Valencia Marathon dresses the City of Running in gold to welcome more than 19,000 runners

The Trinidad Alfonso EDP Valencia Marathon and its parallel 10K, organized by SD Correcaminos and the Valencia City Government, will take place in the City of Running on Sunday the 20^th of November at 08:30. That is, 30 minutes earlier than previous editions. This year’s edition is very special as it will be the first marathon in the history of Spain to be awarded IAAF Road Race Gold Label which proves that this one of the best 42,195 metre races in the world. Overall, more than 27,500 runners will enjoy the running event which they have been eagerly anticipating for so long.

This year, the City of Running has surpassed previous participation numbers once again with more than 19,000 runners in the Marathon and 8,500 in the Trinidad Alfonso Valencia 10K. This represents a growth of more than 14% in the long-distance race. The number of foreign runners has also increased and more than 5,850 foreign runners will come to Valencia from all over the world. Hence, more than 31% of the marathoners will be international runners who come to the city attracted by its mild climate, the great course race, the IAAF Road Race Gold Label and the fact that it has been chosen the best race in the history of Spain according to the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation (RFEA).

In addition, more than 5,700 different runners from every corner of Spain will take part in the reference long-distance race in Valencia on the 20^th of November. The fact that so many people will visit Valencia thanks to the races will have a positive impact in terms of sports tourism and participation, which will result in positive economic outcomes.

In addition, the great race course of the Valencia Marathon is perfect to debut in long-distance races. This has also resulted in a quantitative and qualitative leap in national participation. In fact, the sports bar this year is even higher since many men and women have set themselves the goal of breaking the course record. The current race winners John Nzau Mwangangi and Beata Naigambo, will have to defend their title, their personal best and the best course marks (02:06:13 and 02:26:57) since they will be competing against runners such as Geoffrey Mutai, Getu Feleke Zegeye, Solomon Kirwa Yego, or the current male runner-up Matthew Kipkoech Kisorio and Lucy Wangui Kabuu in the female category.

Renewed vows in a unique scenery

The identity of the race is defined by the blue carpet which surrounds the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum and the fact that ExpoDeporte, the runner’s fair, takes place in its facilities. In addition, the Hemisfèric has also hosted some of the most significant events, such as the official opening of this year’s edition. That is why the organizers of the Trinidad Alfonso EDP Valencia Marathon and the City of Arts and Sciences have signed an agreement to strengthen their relationship in the next four years. This way, the most representative race in the City of Running will be held in in such a unique setting year after year.

A Gold Label marathon

For the first time in the history of athletics in Spain, a race has been awarded the IAAF Road Race Gold Label, which proves that this is one of the best marathons in the world. Besides the race, this is a great event for the city with plenty of parallel activities, both related to sports and general ones. More than 150 cheering station will be supporting the runners all along the course, and there will be other initiatives, such as the Valencia Photo Marathon, Running Fallero or Shopping Run, which will create a sporting atmosphere in the week before the marathon. In addition, ExpoDeporte Valencia, the marathon runner’s fair, will be open from 10 am to 8 pm both Friday and Saturday, and it will host a wide range of activities for all audiences, such as Impuls-a València, the Valencia Mapfre Mini Marathon and Breakfast Run, a popular morning training which will take place in the 5K Circuit of Jardí del Túria on Saturday the 19^th of November.

10K, the big parallel party

Athletes of the highest level such as Jaouad Oumellal for men, and Salima Charki and the Spanish marathon winner Paula González Berodia for women will take part in the Trinidad Alfonso Valencia 10K. There’s no doubt these athletes guarantee the competitiveness in a race that, despite being shorter, is still as demanding as the marathon. Many other running enthusiasts will also enjoy this parallel race which, together with the marathon, will turn Valencia for a day and for another year into the City of Running.

Statements

Paco Borao, president of Sociedad Deportiva Correcaminos, the organizing committee, said: ‘We have established a new participation record, but we must keep working in order to maintain the Gold Label. Thanks to it, not only do we welcome an important group of international elite athletes, but also many national and local runners. Ana Isabel Alonso is a good example, since she achieved the best marathon mark in Spain in 1995 with 02:26:51. Furthermore, we will hold the Regional Marathon Championship this year. We have all the ingredients to succeed and to create a perfect final product.’

Elena Tejedor, director of the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation: ‘The programme ‘Train your Health’ is one of our strategic points. It is not only a matter of increasing participation, we care about our runners and we want them to reach the finish line in the best conditions and with a smile. That is why we will offer extra medical services in the race this year.’

Maite Girau, head of the local Sports Department of the Valencia City Council: ‘We want everyone to enjoy this race, both runners and citizens. That is why we are working to reduce the impact of the marathon on the city. Besides, we are very glad to see that more and more women are taking part in the race and that children also get involved in activities such as the Mini Olympics and Marathon at School.’

Javier Sáenz de Jubera, General Corporate and Sales Manager of EDP España: ‘We have been supporting sports events for years, but the Valencia Marathon is different: its organization, the course, the number of runners… I took part in the 2012 edition and I am amazed to see how participation has increased ever since. EDP feels at home in Valencia because the race team has made us feel as part of the family.’

Enrique Vidal, general manager of the City of Arts and Sciences: ‘It is an honour to work with the Valencia Marathon. The national and international dissemination that the race has given us is invaluable. We could say that we have achieved the perfect symbiosis.’