By Kayla Dummer, former ISA Site Specialist for Spain.
updated on September 4, 2015
Between sips from your water bottle, you can barely make out the finish line through the sweat from the last few miles you’ve run. Whether running for sport, exercise or pleasure, Valencia is viewed as a runner’s paradise thanks to the mild winter climate and lack of hills. In fact, Valencia has more running competitions per capita than any other city in Spain!
Organized Races
Check out the beach races, among others, which are held in the nearby pueblos that include hilly and mountainous terrain along the routes. Here are some great websites to check out racing schedules:
If you’re interested in running a race, let the onsite ISA staff know and they can help organize a group to train.
Marathons and Distance Running
If you’re looking to push yourself, try running la Maratón de Divina Pastora or if you prefer something a bit shorter, there’s also a 10 kilometer (6.2 miles) race the same day as well! This video says it all!
Run for Fun
If running to explore, rather than to compete, is more of your thing, check out these two places recommended by locals.
1. The 9 Kilometers/ 5.6 miles of trails around the dried up Río Turia river has been transformed into a wonderful park where you can find people jogging from morning to night.
2. Take advantage of your gateway to the Mediterranean by running on the beach. A run from the port of Valencia to the end of Patacona Beach (passing both the Las Arenas and Malvarrosa beaches) is nearly 4 kilometers/ 2.5 miles. Students can also run to the Portsaplaya Beach, which is almost 6 kilometers/3.73 miles in this/ delightfully fit and friendly city.
Whether running solo or with a group, along the beach or the shaded trails of the Río Turia, there’s something for every fitness fan in Valencia!
