There’s a certain feeling you get when a marathon actually wants you to come back. Not just tolerate you, not just sell out in a panic and leave you hanging, but actually offers you a proper route to return. That’s what Valencia Marathon does. And they’re doing it again.
The 2026 Valencia Marathon loyalty entry window opened this, and for returning runners, the welcome is as warm as ever. A four day guaranteed entry period is now open for returning runner, a system to reward people who’ve supported the event over the years, imagine that. No lottery. No stress. No non refundable €5 charge to cross your fingers.
A System That Works
- 🗓 Loyalty Period: December 11th to 15th
For runners who completed a valid 2025 entry (not refunded, transferred, or cancelled). You get four full days to sign up early and lock in your place for 2026. - 🗓 Ballot Registration: December 16th to 26th
If any of the 36,000 race numbers remain, a ballot opens. Free to enter. but you’ll need to authorise a temporary €5 hold on your card, but this is released after 15 days, no matter whas. You’ll get a raffle entry number and can apply solo or as part of a group (up to 3 people). - 📣 The Draw: Conducted before a notary. One number is drawn at random, then entries proceed in order. If your number is up, you get a 12-day window to pay and claim your race bib.
- 📋 Waiting List: Any unclaimed spots go to those on the official waiting list, again, in order. No chaos. No mystery.
What About Pricing?
There’s another detail that stands out and it’s a big one.
Returning runners who enter early during the loyalty window can snap up one of the first 10,000 bibs for just €80. After that, the price rises to €180, which is what ballot entrants will pay later on. And if you're pulling from the waiting list? That'll be €200.
That’s not just a token gesture. it’s a genuine reward for those who supported the event already and got their entry in early. No inflated charges. No nonsense fees.
It’s the Fairness That Stands Out
There’s no sense here that you're being punished for missing out. No feeling that you're subsidising someone else's good luck. If you supported the race last year, they make space for you this year. If you didn’t? You’ve still got a shot — without being charged just for trying.
Other races have introduced ballots too. But few have done so in a way that keeps faith with the people who got them where they are today. Instead of rewarding loyalty, some charge a flat, non-refundable fee — even if you’re rejected. It feels less like a registration and more like a fundraiser.
That’s the difference.
Valencia isn’t playing games with demand. They’re managing it. Transparently. Thoughtfully. And without treating runners like walking wallets..
If Only…
If only more events remembered who supported them before they became “popular”.
If only you didn’t have to gamble to run a race you helped build.
If only loyalty wasn’t treated like a liability.
Valencia Marathon’s system is fair. It’s clear. And it gives returning runners a proper thank you.
And for the rest?
Well. If only.
