Lemma and Beriso Ready to Chase Records at Valencia Marathon

Ethiopian marathon sensations Sisay Lemma and Amane Beriso are gearing up for a return to the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich on December 1, where they will attempt to shatter their own record-setting performances at this prestigious World Athletics Platinum Label event.

Lemma set the men’s course record in 2023 with a remarkable time of 2:01:48, while Beriso made history in 2022 with a women’s record of 2:14:58. Both achievements remain among the top six fastest marathon performances of all time.

Since his victory in Valencia last year, Lemma has built on his success, taking the 2024 Boston Marathon title with a time of 2:06:17. He now returns to Valencia as a leading contender but will face strong competition from Kenenisa Bekele. The three-time Olympic gold medallist and five-time world champion holds a personal best of 2:01:41, ranking him third on the global all-time marathon list. Bekele, who placed fourth in Valencia last year, has recently finished second at the London Marathon and represented Ethiopia at the Paris Olympics.

The men’s race also features a trio of Ethiopian stars with personal bests under 2:04. Two-time Tokyo Marathon champion Birhanu Legese, 2021 Berlin Marathon winner Guye Adola, and Paris Olympics fifth-place finisher Deresa Geleta all add depth to the elite lineup.

Debut marathoners are another highlight of the event, with several top half-marathon specialists making the jump to the 26.2-mile distance. Among them is Sebastien Sawe, the reigning world half marathon champion with a blistering best of 58:02. He will be joined by world silver medallist Daniel Mateiko, who has consistently run under 59 minutes, and Hillary Kipkoech, transitioning from pacemaker to competitor.

The women’s race sees Beriso returning to the city where she set the course record in 2022. Her recent accolades include winning the world marathon title in Budapest in 2023, securing third place at the Tokyo Marathon with a time of 2:16:58, and finishing fifth at the Paris Olympics. She will be challenged by a strong Ethiopian contingent, including Megertu Alemu, a podium finisher in London and Chicago; 2023 Valencia third-place finisher Hiwot Gebrekidan; and Tiruye Mesfin—all with sub-2:19 personal bests.

Other notable competitors in the women’s field include Uganda’s national record-holder Stella Chesang and Sara Hall of the United States, a former runner-up at the London Marathon.

“This year’s mix of experienced champions and debut marathoners guarantees an exciting race,” said Marc Roig, the Valencia Marathon’s international elite coordinator. “Having both course record-holders in the lineup raises the stakes even higher, and as always, anything can happen in Valencia.”

The 2024 Valencia Marathon promises to deliver thrilling performances as world-class athletes and emerging talents compete on one of the sport’s fastest stages.

Elite field