The Valencia Marathon, set to take place on Dec. 1, will proceed as scheduled despite catastrophic flooding and substantial loss in Valencia province, where the city is located. Race organizers reassured registrants on Friday that the race will take place, and confirmed plans to turn the event into a fundraiser to rebuild sports facilities and schools in affected areas.
“Luckily, as always, after every storm comes the sunrise,” the event directors wrote. “That’s why we want to share with you that on December 1st, Valencia awaits you to celebrate a marathon that will be much more than a race. It will be a hug to this wounded city and a promise of recovery, a moment in which sport becomes hope and help for those who need it most.”
Late October’s flood waters took the lives of 216 people in Valencia Province and eight others in neighbouring cities in Spain. Mud and rainwater still cover the streets of the city, and with clogged drainage systems, heavy rains in the forecast pose an ongoing threat of exacerbating damage in the area.
The marathon event has opened more fundraising lines to accept and encourage further donations to the greater cause. “Thank you for making it possible, through your participation, for the Valencia Marathon to do its bit to help Valencia regain its social, economic and sporting vitality,” the announcement reads.
On Wednesday, the race’s lead sponsor, New Balance, scaled back its plans, cancelling the hospitality and activation events planned around the marathon and encouraging registrants to defer their participation to the 2025 or 2026 events. Despite opportunities to still move forward with this year’s race, many registrants have backed out to show their respect for the suffering endured by local communities. Already having incurred nonrefundable expenses to cover travel and accommodations, other athletes are seeking alternative racing opportunities nearby.
