Sabastian Sawe’s time was only 12 seconds slower than world record holder’s Kelvin Kiptum’s marathon debut in Valencia in 2022
- 1 December 2024
Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe ran the fifth-fastest marathon of all time on his debut at the distance to win the Valencia Marathon.
The 28-year-old triumphed in two hours two minutes five seconds, a time bettered only by Kelvin Kiptum, Eliud Kipchoge, Kenenisa Bekele and Sisay Lemma.
“I am so excited and happy to win here. It is a great moment for me,” said Sawe, who won the half marathon title at the inaugural World Road Running Championships in Riga last year.
Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta finished second in 2:02:38, and Kenyan Daniel Mateiko third in 2:04:24.
Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu won the women’s race with a personal best of 2:16:49.
Ugandan Stella Chesang was second in 2:18:26 and Ethiopian Tiruye Mesfin third in 2:18:35.
A month after floods in the Valencia region killed more than 220 people, the race began with a moment of silence for the victims.
The organisers pledged to donate 3 euros (£2.50) for every finisher, and the 35,000 runners were invited to contribute to a flood recovery fund.
