A marathon that should be on everyone's list. I was lucky enough to gain a free place through a competition, but even friends who also ran can confirm that the Valencia marathon team have set a very high standard for all other events. The information was frequent and informative without being overwhelming. 

Number collection was a breeze, and there were many stands at the expo which were of use. Despite over 20,000 people, there were no queus at any point. Also, with the number of entrants, the start pens were clearly marked, easy to get into, and each wave started without a lot of standing around which is common at many big events. 

The route covered the entire city, with a clearly marked course (including a blue line like the Abbott majors) and marshals were visible and knew what they were doing. Each kilometre is clearly marked, and aid stations frequent. Each had water and energy drinks, and many had bananas also. 

The locals really came out to support, and the nosie at times was louder than Tower Bridge is on London Marathon day. The course itself is virtually pancake flat, and it felt special to run along wide avenues near the beach and the narrower streets of the old town, crossing bridges over the fantastic park. 

There is a breakfast run on the saturday morning which I didn't do myself, but saw when out for a pre-race day run, and seemed very well attended with a friendly atmosphere. The finish is in the science area, which is a futuristic looking collection of buildings set in the middle of large water pools. You finish on a temporary wide bridge that runs across one of the pools, and large crowds gather. It is quite a competitive race, with ym 4hr time seeing me finish behind about 65% or the entrants, yet the support didn't waver at all. It's not often I'd decide to travel abroad to the same place, however I plan to go back to Valencia to do this one again.