NAIROBI, Kenya, December 1 – World Half Marathon champion Sabastian Sawe clocked the fifth fastest time in men’s marathon to win in Valencia on Sunday morning.
Sawe clocked 2:02:05 to cross the finish line first.
The time is also the second fastest by a marathon debutant in the history of Valencia – following on from Kelvin Kiptum who clocked 2:01:53 in 2022.
“I am so delighted to win on my debut. This is indeed one of my greatest moments. I am so happy that I have won and set a personal best while at it,” he said.
Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta came second in 2:02:38 ahead of Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko who had to be content with third, after timing 2:04:24.
Sawe took the lead at approximately 35km mark and maintain a stranglehold on it, turning what had seemed to be a three-way battle into a coronation parade.
Mateiko, who had seemed destined for the top prize, withered away as Geleta put on the after-burners to clinch second place.
The win was the perfect icing on the cake for the 28-year-old who has been in imperious form, making the podium of all the races in which he has competed.
His last result before Valencia was a first-place finish at the Copenhagen Half Marathon in September where he clocked 58:05.
Sawe also emerged victorious at the Atlanta 10km road race (28:03), Boston 10 km (27:42), Prague Half Marathon (58:24), as well as the National Cross Country Championships senior men’s 10km (28:39).
Women’s race
In the women’s race, Evaline Chirchir was Kenya’s best performer, clocking 2:20:33 to claim fourth.
Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu took top honour after timing 2:16:49, ahead of Uganda’s Stella Chesang’ who came second in 2:18:26.
Another Ethiopian, Tiruye Mesfin, came third in 2:18:35.
