It was time to run again in Valencia, a marathon different to the one where I achieved my PB in 2010. Back then, it was still held in February, and just over 3,000 runners crossed the finish line. This time, on our fourth visit after 2013 and 2017, the number of participants was expected to be ten times higher, up to 35000, on par with any of the international Major marathons.
This growth in registrations, thanks to its course and the times achieved by some athletes in recent editions, has catapulted the race’s popularity. It has also driven up the prices of registrations (€100 in the second phase, rising to €180 for latecomers) and accommodations in the city.
This year, celebration was uncertain until the last moment. The Dana storm that devastated the Valencian community a few weeks earlier, causing over 200 deaths—though not directly affecting Valencia city—led the organizers to question whether it was appropriate to hold such a large-scale sporting event so soon. In the end, they decided to go ahead, although with public transportation severely affected. Everything was much more complicated, as we would soon find out.
We arrive in Valencia around noon and decided to head straight to the runner’s expo at the Feria de Valencia, located in Benimàmet, a village about 7 kilometers from the city center. While waiting for one of the buses that would take us there, we already see long lines at the bus stop. Confusion reigns; buses aren’t running on schedule, and it isn’t even certain if they will come at all. Some have been waiting for over an hour. No available taxis are passing by, and Uber are overwhelmed.
Too early to check in at the hotel, we opt to start walking toward the expo, hoping that getting closer will make it easier. We walk a couple of kilometers until we finally manage to catch a bus that take us to the expo. Too far to have walked the entire distance, especially since the route skirted several highways.
By 3 PM, at least we don’t have to wait in line to pick up our race bibs, but the journey back is another ordeal, with long lines again for the scarce buses heading to Valencia. Fortunately, thanks to Google Maps, I find an alternative option using the tram, which also stops nearby.
Finally, well into the afternoon, we reach our accommodation and take a stroll around the area, noticing the heavy traffic on all the streets. After a quick dinner at the hotel, having overcome all the obstacles, it is time to rest.
Sunday, race day arrives with the usual early wake-up call. My start time is in one of the final waves, around 9:30 AM, so I leave the hotel at 8, allowing myself some extra time, as I am about a 30-minute walk from the start. To avoid returning to the hotel, I carry my travel backpack to drop it off at the runner’s baggage storage.
As I approach the race area at the City of Arts and Sciences, most streets are already closed. In the end, I have to take a long detour to reach the baggage drop-off, arriving just after 9. An open field with tents but no place to change. I hurry to the starting line, where I finally find my box.
Right on time, we start in a group with so many runners that at some turns, we almost have to slow to a walk. After everything that happened to get us here, all that remains is to be grateful for the opportunity and to give it our best shot.
Without too many issues, I cross the halfway point at 1:53:25, 3 seconds per kilometer above the pace needed for a 3:45 finish. Still, the flat course helps me maintain good splits, reaching the 30-kilometer mark at 2:43:46. It sees that, at least, I won’t go over 4 hours.
In the next 10 kilometers, I take almost an hour. Slowing down in the final stages of the race, so typical for me. Not sure whether to blame my lack of recovery between races or my lack of commitment to the long 30-kilometer training runs necessary to successfully tackle a marathon.
In the end, I cross the finish line in a somewhat unaccustomed net time of 3:56:28, placing 18,995th out of 28,180 runners.
The marathon was perfectly organized “during” the race but with issues “before” and “after.” I leave Valencia with the feeling that it will be a while before I run its streets again, at least in a marathon context. Perhaps I’m now seeking different experiences, farther removed from the massive crowds. Only time will tell.
To be continued…
