Soph’s Scribbles

After months of training for George, we finally set off for Valencia, Spain, to take part in the 2025 marathon! Our journey began with a delayed flight, arriving in Alicante late on Friday. We headed straight to the Travelodge to crash after the long travel day, eager for the weekend ahead.

---

Saturday: Arrival and Exploring Valencia

Saturday morning started early with a short bus ride to Valencia; just two hours, but surprisingly luxurious. The seats were incredibly comfortable, and we were well-stocked with carb-loading snacks, including bread rolls and sweets, to fuel the marathon ahead.

Once in Valencia, we checked into our apartment, which had a fun bunk-bed setup for me, George, and Holly. After unpacking, the boys went for a shake-out run while Holly and I explored the city. Our mission: Decathlon for some running shades! The sun was blazing at around 24°C, so the run and shopping felt perfectly timed. Next, we hit the supermarket to continue carb-loading, preparing a delicious tuna pasta dinner as our pre-marathon meal.

Marathon Day: Sunday

The big day arrived early, and the excitement in the city was electric. I joined Rosie as a spectator, following the runners along the route. We headed to K25 to cheer on the boys, spotting them in the crowd and sharing plenty of cheers. The atmosphere was thrilling. So many speedy runners and incredible energy, it was genuinely inspiring. Walking through the nearby park, we soaked up the sun, which had reached a toasty 26°C by the time the marathoners finished.

Eventually, we made our way to K500, the finish line. George absolutely smashed it with a personal best of 2:49, and the rest of the group also set amazing times. After celebrating, we hobbled to cheer on Holly at K40, then returned to the apartment for much-needed showers and some well earned rest.

Post-Marathon Celebrations: Tapas, Paella, and Sunset

Post-marathon energy led us to sample some local Valencian cuisine. We indulged in tapas, including some of the best Patatas Bravas we’ve ever tasted, accompanied by refreshing beers. Later, we joined the group at a quirky bar by the beach, enjoying live music and sunset views.

Dinner was a highlight: Paella at La Pepica, featuring rabbit and chicken, perfectly paired with white sangria. Watching the sunset over the sea while feasting was a magical way to wrap up an incredible day. The post-run food coma hit hard, so we ended the night with another drink before heading back to rest.

Monday: Old Town, Churros, and Aqua de Valencia

Monday began with a traditional Spanish breakfast in the Old Town: churros, fresh bread, and a hazelnut milkshake (which was… questionable!). A casual stroll through the streets led us to Cafe De Horras for Aqua de Valencia, the local orange juice cocktail with a punchy kick of alcohol; perfect for breakfast… kind of!

We then had more tapas to balance the morning cocktails, before saying goodbye to Matt and Holly. Excited to extend our holiday, we checked into Burgemont House, a charming guesthouse in the heart of Valencia.

Exploring Valencia: Architecture, Aperol Spritz, and Pizza

We revisited the marathon finish line, admiring the futuristic Opera House and museum architecture, almost dystopian in design but breathtaking. A cheeky stop at McDonald’s was mandatory (when in Spain!), before heading back to our guesthouse to shower and refresh.

Evening plans included Spritzertia, where we enjoyed an Aperol spritz in the sunshine, followed by a pizza feast at a quiet restaurant. Being the only diners at 8pm felt like we had the city to ourselves!

Tuesday: Cycling, Beach, and Science

Tuesday was all about adventure and exploring Valencia by bike. We rode through the expansive parklands, stopping for a cold beer in the sun, before continuing to the beach for a relaxing afternoon by the sea. Feeling adventurous, we cycled on to the Science Museum, exploring fascinating exhibits on space and Mars, which were surprisingly interactive and fun.

Dinner that evening was at La Santa, a hidden gem for local cuisine. We feasted on padron peppers, Patatas Bravas, cod tacos, and fillet steak, washed down with a few drinks. The meal was the perfect reward after a full day of cycling and sightseeing.

Wednesday: Central Market, Souvenirs, and Goodbye

Our final day in Valencia started at the Central Market, where we enjoyed coffee, pastries, and fresh fruit while soaking up the local vibe. After wandering the shops and picking up souvenirs, we took the train back to Alicante.

Once in Alicante, we grabbed a quick Mexican bite; tacos and quesadillas, before catching our flight home. What an unforgettable long weekend! Valencia offered the perfect mix of marathon excitement, local cuisine, sunny beaches, and cultural exploration, making it a trip filled with PBs, laughs, and incredible memories.