- Sabastian Sawe won the 2024 Valencia Marathon title in a world lead time of 2:02:05.
- Sawe was followed by Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta and Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko, who clocked 2:02:38 and 2:04:23 respectively.
- Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu won the women’s title in 2:16:49 ahead of Stella Chesang and Tiruye Mesfin.
Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe overcame a star-studded field to clinch the 2024 Valencia Marathon title on Sunday afternoon in his debut.
Sawe ran a calculated race, sitting close to the leading pack, before deciding to take control of the proceedings in the final stages.
He went on to cut the tape in a world lead time of 2:02:05, missing the current course record of 2:01:48 that was set by Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma in the 2023 edition.
Second Fastest Debut Ever for Sawe
In addition, Sawe’s time was the second fastest ever full marathon debut in history, a few seconds slower than the time that his late compatriot Kelvin Kiptum set at the same course.
Kiptum, who died in a road accident earlier this year, clocked 2:01:53 in Valencia to win the 2022 title and later went on to set the current world record of 2:00:35 in Chicago in October, 2023.
Sawe’s brilliant performance in the streets of the Spanish City has made many marathon fans to back him to do wonders in future.
Speaking shortly after achieving the incredible feat, a delighted Sawe thanked God for the victory and described Valencia as a marvelous City.
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“It was my first time but fortunately I won the race. The city of Valencia is a nice city. I have clocked an amazing time today, my first PB, the best time for me and everything was good,” he explained.
The 28-year-old also took time to send a message of hope to all the people who were affected by floods in the region.
“My condolences for the tragedy that happened to the people of Valencia. It was so sad and for all, just pray for them, God to give them harmony and peace and all shall be well. I feel sorry for the Valencia people,” stated the Kapsabet based runner.
Sawe was followed by Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta and Daniel Mateiko, who clocked 2:02:38 and 2:04:23 respectively.
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Mateiko, who trains in Kaptagat with the likes of former world record holder Eliud Kipchoge and Faith Kipyegon, was also making his debut.
Alemu Megertu Shines in the Women’s Category
In the women’s category, the prestigious title went to experienced Ethiopian runner Megertu Alemu, who crossed the finishing line in 2:16:49.
The 27-year-old was followed by Uganda’s Stella Chesang, who displayed nerves of steel to improve her national record to 2:18:26.
Alemu’s fellow countrywoman Tiruye Mesfin ran a lifetime best of 2:18:35 to complete the podium positions in a race that saw the only Kenyan representative in Evaline Chirchir, settling for fourth in a personal best time of 2:20:33.
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