For the fifth time, we headed to Valdebebas to run this small marathon. Located next to the Real Madrid Sports City and the future Formula 1 circuit currently under construction, the area is changing year after year, perhaps threatening the future existence of this marathon organized by David Paños.
To those who haven’t run one of these marathons yet and continue to be drawn to the increasingly crowded—and expensive—ones, I would recommend running one of these artisanal or “clandestine” marathons at least once.
The plan is going the same morning. I meet up with Gorriti, as usual, and we head towards Madrid. During the trip, our conversation turns to the possibility of organizing a double marathon in Valladolid before the summer, taking advantage of the fact that the Pisuerga river runs through Valladolid and Gorriti has never faced such a challenge. Without knowing it, we are sowing the seeds of the future “BiMaratón de La Victoria.”
As I have mentioned before, the course is not attractive. Doing 40 laps is a mental challenge, if only to keep track of the number of laps run so far. Logistically, it doesn’t require much, as you can leave everything in the starting area and avoid carrying gels or bottles. Additionally, it also offers time to chat with some of the runners, many of them usual at this annual event established in the calendar in mid-March.
Having run the Badajoz Marathon last Sunday, the week has been one of gentle recovery to arrive with energy.
The day appears cloudy but suitable for running. There are about 25 of us, from a debutant to highly experienced runners like Mario, Pepe Caballer, or Santi Hitos. We start on time, and in the first moments, in large groups, which lose members as we add laps. Each runner has an strategy for pacing and refueling stops.
Accustomed to running alone, adding laps doesn’t feel tedious. I use the uphill section to relax a bit and the downhill to pick up the pace, with alternating stops to drink or take a gel. Little by little, I add laps to the counter and lap other runners—easy on such a short course—though I am lapped numerous times myself.
Heading into the final laps, I push the pace a bit, within reasonable limits. Finally, I cross the finish line in 4:12:58, which is my second-best time on this circuit, close to the 4:12:31 I clocked in 2022.
After finishing, it’s time to enjoy some refreshments while waiting for the other runners to finish. With this one, we’ve reached marathon number 160. Now, time for a break over Easter before taking on the “Maratona da Europa” in Aveiro, Portugal.
