The Marathon Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Zurich once again reaffirmed its reputation as one of the world’s fastest and most prestigious road races as tens of thousands of runners filled the streets of the Spanish city for its 48th edition.
The field featured Olympic champions, world-record holders, elite competitors, and dedicated amateur runners from around the globe. Joining them was the Philippines’ own Lorenzo Castro Jr., who marked his return to international competition with a strong and spirited run.
Recognized as a World Athletics Platinum Label event, the Valencia Marathon is known for ideal racing conditions. Its flat course, minimal elevation gain, cool temperatures ranging from 11 to 19 degrees Celsius, and a picturesque route through the historic city center make it a favorite for record chasers. The race concludes with its iconic finish on a platform suspended above water at the City of Arts and Sciences.
For Castro, a 43-year-old Filipino runner based in Florence, Italy, the marathon offered the perfect opportunity to test himself after months of injury-related setbacks. Joining more than 36,000 runners in the early morning start, he embraced the challenge of competing alongside some of the world’s most accomplished athletes.
Castro admitted that the race demanded both physical and mental strength. He began to feel fatigue at the 30-kilometer mark, but he pushed through with determination, reminding himself to “embrace the pain.” He described the Valencia course as beautiful and fast, and said that with more training time, he may have been able to push even harder. Despite the struggle of the final kilometers, he crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 31 minutes, and 45 seconds—smiling as he completed the race with a sense of joy and accomplishment.
His journey to Valencia followed a successful racing season in Italy. Earlier this year, he defended his title at the Pistoia–Abetone 30K, secured a podium finish at the Mugello Magallo, and collected several victories, including Corri alla Romola, the Pontassieve Half Marathon, and the Trofeo Questura Firenze. These performances have strengthened his reputation as one of the most consistent Filipino runners competing in Europe.
Also representing the Filipino community was Fil-Canadian runner Dexter Rivera from Ontario. The 28-year-old lined up for his fifth maratho,n feeling both nervous and excited, aiming to break the three-hour mark. Although he narrowly missed that target, he delivered a solid performance, finishing in 3 hours, 8 minutes, and 21 seconds.
This year’s race carried additional significance for Valencia, which recently endured severe flooding. Despite the challenges, the city pressed forward with the marathon while launching fundraising efforts to support affected communities. The course remained untouched, and the event retained the vibrant atmosphere that has helped elevate it to international acclaim.
In the elite races, Kenya’s John Korir captured the men’s title after pulling away in the final kilometers to secure another standout performance for East African runners. Germany’s Amanal Petros followed with a strong finish, while Awet Kibrab of Norway rounded out the top performers in the men’s division.
In the women’s race, Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya delivered an exceptional performance to claim the title. She was followed closely by compatriot Peres Jepchirchir, with Belgium’s Chloe Herbiet completing the top group of finishers.
For Castro and the Filipino runners who competed, the 2025 Valencia Marathon was more than a race. It was a celebration of resilience, perseverance, and national pride—an opportunity to stand among the world’s best and prove once again that the Filipino spirit thrives on every mile of the global running stage.
