Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe made a historic marathon debut at the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso, finishing in a world-leading time of 2:02:05. His remarkable run ranks as the fifth-fastest marathon in history and is just 12 seconds short of the best-ever debut set by Kelvin Kiptum. In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu claimed victory in 2:16:49, narrowly missing her personal best by just 15 seconds.
Men’s Race: Sawe’s Spectacular Debut
The men’s race brought together seasoned marathoners and ambitious newcomers in what proved to be a riveting contest. Early on, a trio of pacemakers led a tight group through 10km in 29:04 and halfway in 1:01:17. Among the frontrunners were marathon legends like Kenenisa Bekele and Sisay Lemma, as well as debutants like Sawe.
As the race progressed, the blistering pace began to take its toll. By the 28km mark, Bekele had dropped off, and the lead pack was down to five runners. Sawe made his decisive move in the final kilometers, pulling away with a powerful negative split of 1:00:47 for the second half. He crossed the finish line unchallenged to secure his debut win.
Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta finished second with a personal best of 2:02:38, and Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko, despite fading in the final stages, took third in 2:04:24.
“I prepared well for this race and felt confident throughout,” Sawe said. “Winning in Valencia is special, and I dedicate this victory to the victims of the recent floods.”
Women’s Race: Alemu’s Commanding Performance
The women’s race saw Alemu dominate from start to finish. Running alongside male pacemakers, she reached the halfway point in 1:07:15, maintaining a steady lead over her competitors.
Although Alemu slowed slightly after the 30km mark, her victory was never in doubt. She crossed the line in 2:16:49, her second-fastest marathon to date. Uganda’s Stella Chesang set a national record of 2:18:26 to take second, while Ethiopia’s Tiruye Mesfin secured third with a personal best of 2:18:35.
“The cheers from the crowd gave me strength to finish strong,” Alemu said after the race.
A Race of Resilience
This year’s Valencia Marathon carried added significance as the city recovered from devastating floods in October that claimed 229 lives. Proceeds from the race will go toward reconstruction efforts in the affected areas, underscoring the event’s importance beyond sport.
With stunning performances by Sawe and Alemu, Valencia once again proved itself as a world-class marathon destination, blending elite athleticism with a spirit of resilience.
Result
Women
1 Megertu Alemu (ETH) 2:16:49
2 Stella Chesang (UGA) 2:18:26
3 Tiruye Mesfin (ETH) 2:18:35
4 Evaline Chirchir (KEN) 2:20:33
5 Majida Maayouf (ESP) 2:21:43
6 Chimdesa Kumsa (ETH) 2:21:54
7 Laura Luengo (ESP) 2:22:31
8 Isobel Batt-Doyle (AUS) 2:22:59
9 Moira Stewartova (CZE) 2:23:44
10 Sara Hall (USA) 2:23:45
Men
1 Sabastian Sawe (KEN) 2:02:05
2 Deresa Geleta (ETH) 2:02:38
3 Daniel Mateiko (KEN) 2:04:24
4 Alphonce Simbu (TAN) 2:04:38
5 Tadesse Abraham (SUI) 2:04:40
6 Chimdessa Debele (ETH) 2:04:44
7 Maru Teferi (ISR) 2:04:45
8 Hillary Kipkoech (KEN) 2:04:45
9 Samuel Fitwi (GER) 2:04:56
10 Sisay Lemma (ETH) 2:04:59
