On Sunday morning, Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe made a thunderous debut at the 2024 Valencia Marathon in Valencia, Spain, clocking 2:02:05 to secure the fastest marathon time of the year. Sawe, who is also the world half-marathon champion, delivered a performance that not only earned him the win but also placed him fifth on the all-time list. Sawe’s debut is the second fastest in history, behind only his late compatriot Kelvin Kiptum’s 2022 record of 2:01:53, also set in Valencia.
This year’s Valencia Marathon boasted a deep field that included veterans Sisay Lemma and Kenenisa Bekele pitched against debut marathoners Sawe and Hillary Kipkoech. The race is known for its flat course and fast results, and this year’s edition did not disappoint, with 10 runners finishing under 2:05.
The lead group set off at a blistering pace, crossing the halfway mark in 1:01:17, slightly slower than the 2023 split but still on record-setting trajectory. By the 36 km mark, Sawe had surged ahead, leaving Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta and Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko in his wake; Sawe closed the final 5 km in a jaw-dropping 14:06 to secure the win. Ethiopia’s Geleta delivered a career-best 2:02:38 to claim second place, while Mateiko, despite struggling in the final kilometres, held on for third in 2:04:24.
After an Oct. 29 storm caused significant damage to the Valencia region, there were concerns about the 2024 Valencia Marathon even taking place. However, on Nov. 15 organizers confirmed that the event would proceed and would be used as a fundraiser to rebuild local sports facilities and schools. Sawe dedicated his victory to the victims of recent floods in Valencia, highlighting the resilience of the community, and expressed gratitude for the support of the Valencia crowd. “It’s an amazing day,” he said. “I’m so happy to win in such a beautiful city.
Mergertu Alemu triumphs in women’s race
The women’s race saw Ethiopia’s Alemu deliver a dominant performance that saw her clocking 2:16:49 for her second-fastest marathon ever, missing the course record by 15 seconds.
Alemu also ran 2:16:34 when she took fourth at the 2024 London Marathon; in Feb. 2022, she won the Zurich Seville Marathon in Sevilla, Spain, in 2:18:51.
Alongside her compatriot Tiruye Mesfin, Uganda’s Stella Chesang and Kenya’s Evaline Chirchir, Alemu set out at course-record pace, chasing the 2:14:58 mark set by Amane Beriso in 2022. By 30K, Alemu had dropped the rest of the lead pack; she maintained her solo charge until the end despite slowing in the final stretch. Chesang’s time of 2:18:26 set a new national record, and Mefisn improved her personal best to round out the podium in 2:18:35.
Great result for 🇨🇦’s @MalindiElmore in Valencia 🇪🇸
2:26:05 for 17th.
This is the fastest time by a Canadian woman in 2024, plus it should position her well in the rankings for @WATokyo25
📸: @runoutofhell 👑 pic.twitter.com/LEJH6lEkn5
— Marley Dickinson (@marleydickinson) December 1, 2024
Canadian marathoner Malindi Elmore ran 2:26:05 on Sunday to capture 17th place; it was her first time running in Valencia. The race fell only 16 weeks after a gritty performance at the Paris Olympic Marathon, where she was the lone Canadian in the women’s field, placing 35th with a time of 2:31:08.
For full results of the 2024 Valencia Marathon, head here.
