On December 1, 2024, the picturesque streets of Valencia, Spain, hosted one of the most electrifying marathons of the year, with Kenya's Sebastian Sawe making headlines by clocking the fastest marathon time worldwide for 2024. The 28-year-old athlete recorded an astonishing time of 2:02:05 on his marathon debut, propelling himself to fifth place on the all-time list. This remarkable feat has catapulted him alongside marathon legends like Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele.
Sawe, already celebrated for his triumph at the 2023 World Half Marathon Championship, showcased his prowess from the very start. His pacing during the race reflected his confidence and strategy. After positioning himself among the leaders, Sawe surged forward over the final seven kilometers, making his move for the win. He succeeded by maintaining a blistering pace, achieving negative splits which highlighted his incredible endurance and speed throughout the run. Men’s race enthusiasts were treated to fierce competition as Ethiopian Deresa Geleta finished second, clocking 2:02:38, and Kenya's Daniel Mateiko came third with 2:04:24.
The intensity of the men's race was matched by the women’s event, where Ethiopia's Megertu Alemu displayed her strength and determination, securing victory with a commendable time of 2:16:49. Despite being just shy of her personal best and the course record, Alemu's performance reaffirmed her position as one of the elite runners. Uganda’s Stella Chesang set a new national record as she crossed the finish line second at 2:18:26, followed closely by her compatriot Tiruye Mesfin at 2:18:35, marking their impressive displays of marathon prowess.
Valencia’s marathon is renowned for its swift routes and favorable weather conditions, and this year was no different. The runners took advantage of the flat course, which has consistently led to exceptional finishing times over the years. The race took place against the backdrop of recent tragedies, as Valencia had been recovering from devastating floods just one month prior. To honor the victims and contribute to relief efforts, race organizers pledged to donate three euros for every finisher, encouraging runners to also contribute to the flood recovery fund.
Leading up to the marathon, excitement had been building as spectators anticipated thrilling clashes between seasoned marathoners and promising newcomers on the circuit. The race featured numerous elite athletes, including the likes of world record-holder Kenenisa Bekele and defending champion Sisay Lemma. The atmosphere was charged from the beginning, with all eyes on how the athletes would tackle the unique challenges of the renowned Valencia marathon course.
Sawe completed the race with impactful and dramatic storytelling, giving credit for his successful debut to his rigorous training and preparation. "Honestly, I had built up very well for this debut," he commented after the race. "I was quite confident of doing well. It’s amazing to win here, and I dedicate this victory to the victims of the recent floods here. I pray for them." This sentiment resonates deeply with many who witnessed the race and served as a reminder of community resilience and recovery.
The men’s results were remarkable, with ten athletes finishing under the prestigious 2-hour 5-minutes threshold, showcasing the depth of talent competing at Valencia. The following were notable finishes:
- 1. Sebastian 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
The women’s race, too, highlighted the incredible talent thriving in this competitive environment:
- 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. Chimdessa 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
The Valencia Marathon has increasingly established itself as one of the premier marathon events globally, where records are frequently shattered, and elite athletes converge to showcase their talents. The success of the event highlights not only the individual achievements of athletes like Sawe and Alemu but also the spirit of competition and dedication inherent within long-distance running.
With the Valencia Marathon now complete, attention will inevitably shift to other upcoming races, where fans hope to see more records broken and new talents emerge on the marathon circuit. This year’s marathon remains etched in history, not just for the stellar performances but also for the community spirit surrounding it, especially as the city continues to rebuild after its recent tragedy.