Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich is an international road race held annually in October in Valencia, Spain. Covering a distance of 21.0975 kilometers, the half marathon holds Gold Label status by World Athletics and is recognized among the races that attract top-level athletes worldwide. The event is notable for its high organizational standards, fast course design, and record-breaking performances.

History and Development

The Valencia Half Marathon is organized by the Sociedad Deportiva Correcaminos club with institutional support from the Valencia City Council and primary contributions from the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation. Although races were held throughout the 1990s, the event achieved a structured and international profile in 2014 with the launch of the Valencia Ciudad del Running initiative. This project aimed to unify amateur running activities in the city and position Valencia as a prominent destination for running tourism. The 2025 edition will mark the 34th running of the event. The race is included in the World Athletics calendar and is certified by both AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) and the RFEA (Royal Spanish Athletics Federation). Valencia also hosted the 2017 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships.

Route

The race is run entirely on asphalt and features a flat and fast route through the city. The course passes through key areas such as Valencia city center, the Maritime District, and Jardín del Turia. All kilometer points are marked. The race consists of a single loop, with both the start and finish located within the city center. Organizers have minimized sharp turns and optimized course conditions to encourage fast performances. Minor adjustments are made annually to further improve the route.

^{Valencia Half Marathon Course (Valencia Ciudad del Running)}

Entry Requirements

The race is open to individuals aged 18 and over. Amateur runners who are not affiliated with any athletics federation are also welcome. The maximum number of participants is capped at 25,000. Registration is conducted through the official website, and once full, a paid waiting list (€80) is opened. Participants must declare their best times during registration. Different starting zones are applied based on expected finish times. In cases of medical issues or pregnancy documented before race day, partial refunds are offered according to organizational rules.

^{Valencia Half Marathon (Generated Using Artificial Intelligence)}

Awards and Performances

Cash prizes are awarded for overall results and specifically for Spanish athletes. Spanish-licensed runners who finish under 1:06:00 (men) or 1:15:00 (women) receive cash prizes ranging from €100 to €1,000. No or reduced payments are made if these times are not met. Additionally, bonus prizes are defined for breaking world or Spanish records: €70,000 for a world record and €6,000 for a Spanish record.

Course Records

• Men: Yomif Kejelcha (Ethiopia) – 57:30 (2024)
• Women: Letesenbet Gidey (Ethiopia) – 1:02:52 (2021)

World Records

• Men’s World Record: Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda) – 56:42 (2025, Barcelona)
• Women’s World Record: Letesenbet Gidey (Ethiopia) – 1:02:52 (2021, Valencia)

The Valencia course has seen eight of the ten fastest half marathon times in history recorded to date.

Cultural Significance and Community Participation

Valencia is regarded as an ideal city for running due to its climate, topography, and infrastructure. Through promotions under the Valencia Ciudad del Running brand, the city has become a key hub for running tourism. By passing through historic and modern parts of the city, the race also highlights Valencia’s cultural landmarks. Numerous events and fairs are organized during race week.

Each year, selected charities benefit from donations made by participants and the Z Zurich Foundation, which contributes €1 per registered runner. As of 2025, total charity donations have exceeded €500,000.

Organization and SuperHalfs Series

The race is organized by Sociedad Deportiva Correcaminos with support from the Valencia City Council and the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation. Zurich serves as the event’s main sponsor, and Luanvi is the sportswear partner. The event is classified under the World Athletics Gold Label category.

The Valencia Half Marathon is part of the SuperHalfs series, which also includes races in Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen, and Cardiff. Through the SuperHalfs program, participants who complete all races are eligible for special medals and stamps via the SuperPassport system, promoting the growth of half marathon running at a global level.