The ballot for the 2026 Valencia Marathon opens tomorrow at 10:00am Irish time, marking the next step in what has become one of the most in demand marathon weekends on the European winter calendar.
Set for December 2026, Valencia has firmly established itself as a go to choice for Irish runners, with clubs, training groups and recreational runners making the annual trip to Spain in growing numbers. Flat roads, fast conditions, reliable weather and a city that knows how to host runners have all contributed to its surge in popularity in recent years. Demand has now reached the point where a ballot system is unavoidable, placing Valencia alongside many of the world’s major city marathons.
Entry to the ballot itself is free, but runners will need an active bank card to complete the process. A small temporary hold will be placed on the card as part of registration. It is not a charge, but it does catch people out every year, so it is worth being prepared before you sit down to enter.
How the Valencia Marathon ballot works
If more runners apply than there are race numbers available, places will be allocated via an official draw held before a notary.
📧 All entrants will be notified by email once the draw has taken place, confirming if they have secured a place for 2026.
Any unclaimed or cancelled places will later be offered to runners on the official waiting list, in order of registration.
💳 Card verification and ballot entry
The ballot is free to enter, but there is one important detail that regularly catches runners out.
• An active bank card is required to complete registration
• A €5 temporary hold will be placed on the card for up to 15 days
• This is not a charge and is automatically released
• Without card verification, your entry will not be included in the draw
If entering as a group, the same €5 hold applies to each confirmed group member.
👥 Group entries and restrictions
• Group entries allowed for up to three people
• Each runner receives one individual entry number
• One entry per person only is permitted
• Multiple registrations using different emails will result in disqualification
• Details entered at ballot registration cannot be changed later
🏷️ Name changes and waiting list
• All 2026 bibs allow a name change from 1 February
• Cancelled bibs following a name change are reallocated to the waiting list
• Waiting list places are offered in order of registration
⏰ Key dates at a glance
🗓️ Ballot Opens - 16 December 2025 at 10:00am Irish time
🗓️ Ballot Closes - 26 December 2025 at 11:00am Spanish time
📧 Ballot Results Issued - Issued soon after the official draw (date to be confirmed)
⌛ Registration Deadline if Successful - 12 days from receipt of confirmation email
🔁 Name Changes Allowed - From 1 February 2026
👉 How to enter
Ballot registration will be available once the window opens.
Enter the Valencia Marathon 2026 ballot here
https://tickets.valenciaciudaddelrunning.com/#/EN/tienda
For Irish runners planning a December marathon trip, Valencia remains one of the most reliable options on the calendar. Just make sure your details are correct, your card is ready, and your name is in the draw before the window closes.