Valencia road races acknowledged as world-class event

THE International Association of Athletics Federations has bestowed a prestigious award onto the Trinidad Alfonso Valencia Marathon and Half Marathon, organised by the Valencia Government and SD Correcaminos running club. 

The IAAF Gold Label has been awarded in recognition for exceeding criteria for organisation and race quality during the city´s 2015 races. Valencia is the first location in Spain to receive the Gold Label, elevating it to the top-tier of world running events. 

The strict criteria for the Gold Label award, grades event organisers on safety, street planning, traffic control, media coverage, anti-doping controls, refreshment points and participation of elite athletes. 

Only 41 cities in the world have been awarded the Gold Label. For the full-length Marathon, Valencia will proudly take its place alongside New York, London, Berlin and Dubai, while other half marathon hosts with a Gold Label include Lisbon, Prague, Yangzhou, Bogota and Newcastle-upon-Tyne´s famous Great North Run.

Behind the scenes of this incredible accomplishment lie more than 35 years of dedication, hard work and shared passion for road running. The first Valencia Marathon was run in 1981, with the half marathon following ten years later.

SD Correcaminos running club president, Paco Borao, expressed his gratitude for the award and his pride in the event and the city of Valencia. He thanked the Valencia Government and the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation, who, he said “help to make the races what they are – gold.”