The 10 sporting events of the year in València
The Mediterranean climate, its landscape, the sea... are some of the reasons why Valencia is an ideal destination for outdoor sports. While running is the sport that inundates Valencia with runners in more than 50 races every year, there are other essential sporting events that no sports lover should miss:
1. Valencia Trinidad Alfonso EDP Marathon
This event is a must for runners from all over the world, which is held on the first Sunday in December. It has a completely flat circuit, temperatures ranging between 12º and 17 ºC, with the unique backdrop of the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Besides, it is the fastest Spanish marathon for male and female runners. It is one of only 12 races in the work to bear the Platinum label from World Athletics and it has an ever-increasing number of participants. The registration period usually closes months ahead of the race day. Nobody wants to miss it!
2. Half Marathon
It has become the fastest race of this type in the world and one of the major events in autumn for both national and international runners. It has seen three world records over its history (and still holds the women’s WR from 2021), and this year it will feature 20,000 runners, who will be taking advantage of the fast course.
3. Valencia Triathlon
In the space of a weekend, both professionals and amateurs participate in two triathlon events that flood La Marina in Valencia with athletes. The city is one of the three venues of the Mediterranean Triathlon, which each year hosts six different events: relay sprint, supersprint, women's triathlon, Olympic, Olympic relay, and paratriathlon. There are three different categories: cadets, juniors, under-23 and Veterans I-II and III.
4. Her Majesty the Queen’s Trophy
Sailing boats from all over the world face up to each other in Valencian waters for three days in the Queen’s Trophy, organised by the Royal Yacht Club of Valencia. The regatta, which is divided into ORC 1, 2, 3, 4 and Promotion categories, gets the most out of the magnificent wind conditions in the Gulf of Valencia in the month of July.
5. Motorcycling Grand Prix
The Moto GP, which every year brings together the best riders of the world on the Ricardo Tormo Circuit of Cheste, is another attraction for adrenaline lovers. It is the final event of the World Championship and the last scoring round of the Moto GP, Moto 2 and Moto 3. The greatest motorcycling show on earth!
6. Hockey World Series
Beteró sports complex has become the international headquarters for world hockey. Since 2013, every second year it has hosted both men's and women's competitions, such as the International Hockey Federation’s World League. If you’re into hockey, Valencia is a must!
7. City of Valencia Cycle Race
A unique event for road bike lovers. It is the first cycling race in Europe with start and finish line in the city. There are three different courses, based on the physical condition of the participants. The race goes over four mountain passes between Valencia and the Sierra Calderona, one of the province’s natural parks, at 2,700 metres above sea level.
8. BBVA Valencia Open
It is an international elite women's tennis tournament. The Valencia Tennis Club holds this competition under the direction of Anabel Medina. It belongs to the $60,000 ITF - Pro Circuit, the prelude to the Women's Tennis Association (WTA), which establishes the top world rankings in women's tennis.
9. Football and basketball live
Valencia is home to two of the teams in the First Division of the Spanish League: Valencia FC and Levante UD. If you are passing through Valencia, look out for upcoming matches and experience the best Valencian football live. In basketball, Valencia Basket plays in the ACB League, the Spanish Women's League and the Euroleague. If you're a basketball fan, buy tickets for some of their matches at the Fuente de San Luis Pavilion. You will have no regrets!
10. Valencia Golf Courses
The Parador del Saler, located in the Natural Park of La Albufera on the shores of the Mediterranean, and El Bosque, designed by Robert Trent Jones, are our most famous golf courses. If you wish to improve your handicap, the province of Valencia has other excellent clubs, such as La Galiana, Foressos, Oliva Nova and Escorpión.
