The much-anticipated 2024 Generali Marathon de Málaga concluded with thrilling results, showcasing the incredible talent and perseverance of both elite and amateur runners. This year, the marathon saw participation from approximately 16,000 runners, bringing together athletes from all corners of the globe. Among them, the Kenian Vincent Kipkorir and the Ethiopian Aynalem Desta proved to be the standout performers of the day, claiming victory in their respective categories.
Kipkorir, finishing the grueling 42-kilometer course, clocked in at 2 hours, 8 minutes, and 5 seconds. Though it was a remarkable performance, he narrowly missed breaking the event’s record of 2:07:39, established by Mark Korir back in 2021. Kipkorir managed to outperform his closest competitor, compatriot Micah Kipkosgei, by 1 minute and 16 seconds, and Andrew Rotich of Uganda, finishing at 2:10:02, came behind by more than 2 minutes.
On the women’s side, Desta also made headlines with her time of 2 hours, 25 minutes, and 10 seconds. Like Kipkorir, she too fell just short of breaking the respective record for her category, which stands at 2:24:50 set by Mekonnin Legesse also back in 2021. Desta secured her win with nearly one minute to spare over her fellow Ethiopian runners Mekonnen and Tsegaye Enyew, rounding out the top tier of female competitors.
The excitement didn’t stop at the marathon; the half marathon also gathered significant enthusiasm. Initially, the English athlete Alfie Manthorpe finished first with 1:02:29. Yet, due to running as a pace runner rather than formal race participant, the official win went to Jack Wood from Switzerland, who completed the event with a time of 1:06:25. The women’s half marathon was dominated by Tessa McCormick, claiming victory with her impressive finish of 1:15:07, swiftly followed by Maureen Kramer and Ana Cristina Narváez.
This marathon, now marking its fourteenth edition, continued to attract global participation, with 65% of the runners coming from various countries, totaling 75 nationalities represented. Among the competitors this year was the two-time Olympic medalist Paul Chelimo, known for his achievements at the 2016 and 2020 Games, which brought additional spotlight to the event.
The race kicked off at 8:30 AM and lasted until around 2:00 PM, with the scenic course winding through some of Málaga's most beautiful spots, including picturesque parks and coastal areas. The race's starting and finishing point was situated on the iconic Paseo del Parque, adjacent to Málaga's City Hall. Participants enjoyed ideal running conditions, with slight cloud cover and temperatures reaching about 18°C, ensuring perfect conditions for both high-end competitors and casual runners alike.
Ricardo Rosado, who finished second in the half marathon, shared his experience, highlighting the mental support he drew from the city atmosphere during his run: "Tenía que estar, aunque la preparación no ha sido del todo buena. La ciudad me ha sacado el ánimo para poder acabar." (Translation: I had to be here, even though my preparation wasn't entirely good. The city lifted my spirits to finish.) His sentiments reflect the communal spirit and motivation felt throughout the course, as friends and family cheered from the sidelines, adding to the festival-like environment of the event.
Despite the race’s challenges and the fierce competition, runners and spectators alike celebrated the unity and passion surrounding the sport. The organization provided livestream coverage, allowing fans around the world to witness the event's excitement.
The marathon not only offers prestigious athletic competition but also promotes camaraderie and athleticism, serving as a vibrant celebration of endurance. With the success of the 2024 edition, the Generali Marathon de Málaga cements its place on the international stage, eagerly anticipated for the next year.