On December 1, Valencia will host its highly anticipated marathon, bringing together some of the world’s greatest athletes just weeks after the city endured devastating floods. The catastrophic October downpour brought two months’ worth of rain in just 48 hours, leaving widespread damage and raising doubts about the marathon’s viability. However, organizers pushed ahead, transforming the event into a powerful symbol of hope and unity.
“This year’s record is not just about speed—it’s about solidarity,” said the organizers. “The Valencia Marathon will honor the city’s resilience and serve as a beacon of recovery, supporting every family and street impacted by the floods. It’s a reminder of the collective strength of sport and community.” A moment of remembrance will precede the start of the elite races to honor those affected by the disaster.
Men’s Race: Bekele, Lemma, and Sawe Lead World-Class Field
The men’s elite race is headlined by Kenenisa Bekele, the Ethiopian legend known as one of the greatest distance runners in history. At 42, Bekele continues to defy expectations. He holds the third-fastest marathon time ever, a stunning 2:01:41 set in Berlin in 2019.
Last year in Valencia, he became the first man over 40 to run a sub-2:05 marathon, finishing in 2:04:19. Earlier this year, he improved that mark to 2:04:15 at the London Marathon, reaffirming his status among the sport’s elite.
Defending champion Sisay Lemma, also from Ethiopia, is the man to beat. Lemma delivered a record-breaking performance in Valencia last year, running 2:01:48—the fourth-fastest marathon time in history. His 2023 season includes a commanding victory at the Boston Marathon, further solidifying his reputation as one of the sport’s top marathoners.
Adding intrigue to the field is Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe, the reigning world half-marathon champion, who makes his marathon debut. The 28-year-old has already proven himself on the global stage, boasting a blistering half-marathon best of 58:05, set in Copenhagen this year. If he transitions successfully to the 26.2-mile distance, Sawe could shake up the standings.
Other notable contenders include Birhanu Legese, a two-time Tokyo Marathon champion, and Guye Adola, who famously won the Berlin Marathon in 2021. Britain’s Ross Braden leads the British challenge, with a personal best of 2:14:32 and aspirations of a breakthrough performance in Valencia.
Women’s Race: Alemu, Gebrekidan, and Mesfin Headline Competitive Field
The women’s elite race promises an equally thrilling showdown, led by Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu. With a personal best of 2:16:34, Alemu ranks 14th on the all-time marathon list. After placing second and third at the London Marathon in the past two years, she enters Valencia as the favorite following the withdrawal of compatriot Amane Beriso due to injury.
Ethiopia’s dominance in the field is further highlighted by Hiwot Gebrekidan (2:17:59) and Tiruye Mesfin (2:18:47), who are also among the fastest marathoners in history. Both athletes are expected to mount a strong challenge for the title.
Representing the United States is Sara Hall, who arrives in Valencia following commendable performances at the US Olympic Marathon Trials and the Boston Marathon. Ireland’s Fionnuala McCormack, a four-time Olympian, continues her remarkable career at age 40, fresh off a strong 28th-place finish in the Paris Olympic marathon.
Among the most inspirational stories in the women’s field is Britain’s Alice Braham. At 48, she recently became the oldest British woman to run a marathon in under 2:40, clocking 2:39:42 in Berlin. Braham aims to approach her lifetime best of 2:35:20, achieved 16 years ago, as she takes on Valencia’s fast course.
A Marathon of Triumph and Unity
The Valencia Marathon has long been celebrated for its fast course, attracting elite athletes aiming for record-breaking performances. However, this year’s race carries added significance, as it serves as a testament to the resilience of a city rebuilding after adversity. The combination of world-class talent and community spirit ensures that the 2024 Valencia Marathon will be remembered as much for its heart as for its speed.
