Valencia Marathon 2025: Elite Athletes Set for Spain’s Premier Road Race

World-Class Field Assembles in Valencia

The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich will be held on 7th December 2025, bringing together some of the world’s finest distance runners to Spain’s Mediterranean coast. Peres Jepchirchir and Amane Beriso – the last two winners of the world marathon title and the two most recent course record-holders of the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso – return to the World Athletics Platinum Label road race on Sunday (7) to headline a star-studded edition.

The race has become a must-attend event for serious marathoners seeking fast times. This World Athletics Platinum Label event is known for its ideal racing conditions – a flat, urban course and cool December temperatures. In 40 years, it has evolved into a premier sporting event, with over 25,000 participants at each edition.

Course Records Under Threat

The men’s race centres around the clash between Sisay Lemma, 2023 Valencia winner and course record-holder, and John Korir, who arrives on the back of consecutive major victories in Chicago and Boston. Lemma rewrote the event’s record book in 2023 with his 2:01:48 triumph, a performance that puts him fourth on the world all-time list.

In the women’s race, Two years after Jepchirchir won in Valencia, Beriso smashed her course record with 2:14:58 – a performance which currently ranks her fifth on the world all-time list. Emma Bates is gearing up for her Valencia Marathon debut, which will be just her second marathon of the 2025 calendar year and her first marathon on European soil.

Perfect Conditions for Record Breaking

Valencia’s reputation as one of the fastest marathon courses in the world continues to attract elite athletes seeking personal bests. It is a completely flat route, at sea level and with ideal temperatures ranging from 12 to 17°C in December. The marathon will start on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 8:15 AM.

The race’s significance extends beyond individual glory. On 7 December 2025, the streets of Valencia will see around 120 runners with disabilities ready to show that sport has no barriers. Split into sensory, functional, intellectual and wheelchair categories, many will have guides by their side to help them complete the marathon. All will compete for special trophies that recognise effort, achievement and inclusion.

With world champions, course record holders, and thousands of runners from across the globe converging on Valencia, the 2025 edition promises to deliver thrilling competition and potentially historic performances on one of athletics’ most celebrated stages.