The public ballot for the 2027 Valencia Half Marathon has officially opened today, the 10th of November, giving runners the opportunity to secure a place in one of the world's fastest and most popular half marathons.
The 36th edition of the Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Wizz Air will take place on Sunday, the 24th of October 2027, with organisers making 25,000 public race entries available.
However, more than half of those places have already been allocated through a priority registration period for runners who held entries in this year's event.
That leaves 11,405 places available through the public ballot, with applications accepted until Monday, 16 November.
For Irish runners considering an autumn half marathon abroad, Valencia has become an increasingly attractive option, combining a famously fast course with the opportunity to enjoy a few days in one of Spain's most popular cities.
Here's everything you need to know about entering.
When Does the 2027 Valencia Half Marathon Ballot Open?
The public ballot opened at 10am Irish time today, Tuesday, 10 November 2026.
Applications will remain open until 9.59am Irish time on Monday, the 16th of November, giving prospective participants almost six days to register.
The draw will be conducted in the presence of a notary.
How Many Places Are Available?
A total of 25,000 entries have been made available to the general public for the 2027 event.
However, runners who held valid registrations for the 2026 Valencia Half Marathon were given the opportunity to secure their places for next year before the public ballot opened.
This priority window ran from 5 to 9 November.
According to figures published in Spain today, 13,595 places were allocated during the priority registration period, leaving 11,405 available for the public draw.
It means that anyone hoping to experience Valencia for the first time will face competition for the remaining places.
The introduction of the ballot system reflects the considerable demand for the event, which has established itself as a major fixture on the international road racing calendar.
How Much Does the Valencia Half Marathon Cost?
The entry fee for runners who secure a place through the 2027 public ballot is €80.
This is unchanged from the previous edition.
A lower entry price of €40 was available to the first 10,000 runners registering through the priority system, but this rate does not apply to successful ballot applicants.
There is also an additional €4 day licence charge for participants who do not hold an eligible Spanish athletics licence or Runner Plus Card.
For most Irish recreational runners, that means the standard entry cost will be €84, before any optional extras.
Importantly, the ballot itself is free to enter.
However, applicants must provide an active bank card, with organisers temporarily placing a €5 hold on the account.
This is not a permanent charge.
The €5 will automatically be released after 15 days, regardless of the ballot outcome.
Can You Enter the Ballot With Friends?
Yes, and this is one of the more interesting features of Valencia's registration system.
Runners can apply individually or as part of a group of up to three people.
This allows friends, partners or running clubmates to enter together, giving them the opportunity to secure places in the same draw.
Each participant must provide their full name, passport or identification number, date of birth and email address.
All members of the group must also confirm their participation.
Organisers have emphasised that entering as a group does not improve or reduce an individual's chances compared with entering alone.
The system is designed to allow groups to secure places together rather than risk having some members successful and others disappointed.
For Irish runners hoping to organise a club trip to Valencia, it could make planning considerably easier.
When Will Ballot Results Be Announced?
The draw takes place on Tuesday, 17 November, with results scheduled to be emailed to applicants on Wednesday, the 18th of November.
Successful runners will receive instructions on how to complete their registration and pay the entry fee.
However, receiving a successful ballot notification does not automatically complete the process.
Those selected must finalise their registration before 10am Irish time on Wednesday, November 25th.
Anyone who misses that deadline will lose their allocated place.
Remaining entries will subsequently be offered to runners on the official waiting list.
Unsuccessful applicants may therefore still have an opportunity to secure a place if other runners decide not to complete their registrations.
What If You Don't Get a Place?
Missing out in the public ballot does not necessarily mean abandoning plans for Valencia.
Organisers operate an official waiting list, allowing unclaimed entries to be offered to runners who were unsuccessful in the draw.
There are also opportunities to enter through authorised international travel operators, subject to availability and their individual booking arrangements.
Another option exists for participants holding a valid SuperHalfs SuperVoucher.
According to the organisers, SuperVoucher holders do not need to enter the public ballot and can use their voucher to register during 2027.
However, ordinary ballot entries cannot simply be passed to another runner.
If somebody who secured a place through the draw subsequently withdraws through an official transfer, their entry will be returned to the organisers and offered to somebody on the waiting list.
Why Is Valencia So Popular With Runners?
Valencia has earned a reputation as one of the world's leading destinations for athletes targeting fast half marathon times.
Its flat, predominantly urban course regularly attracts elite international fields and thousands of recreational runners hoping to record personal bests.
The 2026 edition, held on 25 October, was another exceptionally fast race.
Rodrigue Kwizera claimed victory in the men's competition in 58:03, while Sheila Chepkirui produced the fastest women's half marathon performance in the world that year.
For recreational runners, the attraction extends beyond elite performances.
Valencia's wide roads, relatively favourable autumn conditions and strong spectator support have helped establish the race as a popular destination for running holidays.
The event is also part of the SuperHalfs series, which includes leading half marathons in Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen and Cardiff.
That provides another incentive for runners attempting to complete the international series.
There is one important consideration for anyone thinking about entering.
The 2027 race has an official finishing time limit of two hours and 45 minutes, measured from when each runner crosses the start line.
Participants should take this into account before committing to the event.
How to Enter the Valencia Half Marathon Ballot
Applications are available through the official Valencia Half Marathon registration website.
Runners will need their personal details, passport or identification number, email address and a valid bank card.
Only one ballot application per person is permitted, with organisers warning that duplicate registrations may result in disqualification from the draw.
With 11,405 places available and demand expected to be considerable, not everybody will receive the news they are hoping for on 18 November.
But for Irish runners thinking about combining a fast autumn half marathon with a trip to Spain, today's ballot opening provides the first opportunity to secure a place.
And with applications closing on Monday morning, there's no need to rush through the process today, but it's probably best not to leave it until the last minute either.
