Kenya's Sebastian Sawe made a stunning debut in the Valencia Marathon, clocking 2 hours, 2 minutes, and 5 seconds to secure victory on Sunday. This remarkable time places Sawe fifth on the all-time list of marathon performances, with only Kelvin Kiptum, Eliud Kipchoge, Kenenisa Bekele, and Sisay Lemma achieving faster finishes. Sawe, who claimed the world half-marathon title in 2023, continues to showcase his extraordinary talent on the global stage.
In the women's race, Ethiopia's Megertu Alemu delivered an exceptional performance, slashing nearly two minutes off her personal best to win the title in 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 49 seconds. Alemu's impressive achievement further solidifies her place among the sport's elite, as she continues to improve her times in competitive marathons.
The marathon took place in Valencia despite the city enduring devastating floods just a month prior. The natural disaster caused widespread damage, leaving 230 people dead and destroying homes, roads, and businesses across the region. The resilience of both the city and the event organizers ensured the race could proceed as planned, serving as a symbol of recovery and determination.
Valencia has established itself as a premier destination for marathon runners, with the flat course and supportive atmosphere consistently yielding world-class performances. Sawe's debut and Alemu's personal best added to the city's legacy of hosting record-breaking events, further cementing its reputation on the global marathon circuit.
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