At 8:30 a firework started the 30st Maraton Popular de Valencia, releasing about 3.500 participants.

I've never before had a firework at a marathonstart but it really did cheer me up!

Then the course led along some really modern, worth seeing architecture (Palau de les Arts, Hemisferic, Oceanografic) towards the harbour where you pass the house of the america's cup. Turning back, the historical center will be touched on the southern side (the streets in the center are definately too narrow) and then it goes up and down the outer city providing interesting views and buildings every once in a while.

There are not many spectators along the course but on some spots they really push you forward.

After passing again the historical center (on the northern and eastern side) the last 10 kilometers are about the same as the first - so you know exactly what you still have to do ....

The suffering ends at kilometer 41 because a great crowd carries you to the goalline.

- The course is not fully free of traffic - cars are crossing the course from time to time - but the disturbance stays in a tolerable dimension.

- Only water is provided at the refreshment-stations (one time at about 30k there were also oranges)