JBL is lacing up its running shoes. The American audio brand is the official Sound Partner of the Valencia Half Marathon and Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich 2026. It is JBL’s first step into the world of running, and the brand has chosen one of the fastest and most popular races on the calendar. For the JBL Valencia Marathon partnership, the goal is simple: make two of Europe’s biggest running events sound better than ever.
JBL Valencia Marathon: a first for the brand
Valencia likes to call itself the City of Running, and with good reason. Its half marathon and marathon attract tens of thousands of runners every year and are known for fast, flat courses and a festive atmosphere along the route. For JBL, that atmosphere is exactly the point. As Sound Partner, the brand takes responsibility for the audio experience around both races.
A DJ and giant screen at the start
At the start of the Valencia Half Marathon, JBL set up a DJ and a giant screen to entertain runners in the final start corrals. Anyone who has stood in the back of a big race knows how long that wait can feel, so music before the gun is more than a gimmick.
As part of the JBL Valencia Marathon partnership, JBL also creates new cheer zones along the course of both races. These sound points give runners an extra boost at moments when the legs start to feel heavy, and they turn the streets into a party for the spectators too.
A record-breaking half marathon
The first part of the partnership has already taken place. The 35th Valencia Half Marathon was held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, and 25,733 runners crossed the finish line. Rodrigue Kwizera won the men’s race in 58:03, a new Spanish record. Sheila Chepkirui won the women’s race in 1:03:51.
The second part is still to come. The Valencia Marathon takes place on December 6, 2026. The 2025 edition was the first in the race’s history to pass 30,000 finishers, with 30,777 runners reaching the finish, so expect another huge field.
“Valencia is a city of music”
Paco Borao, president of SD Correcaminos, the club that organises both races, is clearly happy with the new partner. “For us, having an international brand like JBL turn its eyes toward us is the best sign that we are on the right track,” he says. “Furthermore, Valencia is a city of music, and JBL knows a lot about that. They will ensure both the Valencia Half Marathon and Marathon sound better than ever.”
The JBL Valencia Marathon partnership makes sense: few runners train without music in their ears, and a big race lives on atmosphere. Curious about JBL’s latest earbuds? Read about the JBL Smart Charging Case with touchscreen.
Pricing and availability
There is no product launch tied to this partnership. The JBL Valencia Marathon cheer zones return for the full marathon. The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich 2026 takes place on December 6, 2026. Registration and race information are available on the official Valencia Ciudad del Running website.
Key specifications
- Partner: JBL, official Sound Partner
- Events: Valencia Half Marathon and Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich 2026
- Half Marathon: October 25, 2026, 25,733 finishers
- Marathon: December 6, 2026
- JBL activations: DJ and giant screen at the half marathon start, cheer zones at both races
- Organiser: SD Correcaminos
- Significance: JBL’s first partnership in running
Do you run with music, and would a JBL Valencia Marathon cheer zone give you that extra push in the final kilometres?
