Africa

Sawe sets world lead on marathon debut, Megertu wins in Valencia

Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe wins the 2024 Valencia Marathon in a world leading time of 2:02:05 while Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu was victorious in the women’s category with a time of 2:16:49.

Michelle Katami

Published

3 days ago

Kenyan Sabastian Sawe and Ethiopian Megertu Alemu winning at the Valencia Marathon 2024 / Photo credit: Valencia Marathon

World Half Marathon champion Sabastian Sawe has announced his arrival in the marathon with an impressive victory in the 2024 Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich, the 44th edition of the race, on Sunday.

Sawe beat a strong field and experienced field to cut the tape in a time of 2:02:05, the fastest marathon time this year and the fifth fastest time in the history of men’s marathon.

Running a tactical race, the 28-year-old Kenyan made the move after the 30km leaving Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta and Kenya’s Olympian Daniel Mateiko chasing. Mateiko had taken control of the race opening a sizeable gap before Sawe and Geleta gained on him and Sawe overtook him.

Behind Sawe, Geleta finished in second place with a lifetime best of 2:02:38 while Mateiko, with a fantastic time of 2:04:24.

Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu was victorious in the women’s category with a time of 2:16:49. Alemu’s victory is the third consecutive win for Ethiopian ladies.

In second place was Uganda’s Stella Chesang clocking 02:18:26, a national record and a huge person best as she joined the sub 2:19 marathon club. Ethiopia’s Tiruye Mesfin wraps up the podium positions in a time of 02:18:35.

The 44th edition of the Valencia Marathon paid tribute to the victims and those affected by the damage of last October 29, has left in its sporting aspect results that, although they do not mean new records, consolidate it among the best of the world.

Swiss athlete Tadesse Abraham, 42, signed off his marathon career as was the top European male athlete in Valencia. Tadesse finished fifth clocking 02:04:40, a national record.

Home girl Majida Maayouf was the top European female athlete, she posted with 2:21:43 for fifth place.

The first Spaniard was Ibrahim Chakir with a time of 2:07:32, the second Dani Mateo with 2:08:57 and the third, Andreu Blanes (2:09:18) – the first Valencian and record of the Comunitat Valenciana.

Maayouf, who was 26 seconds away from her national record with 2:21:43, led the Spanish women to the finish line. Behind her, Laura Luengo placed second with 2:22:31 and Fatima Ouhaddou was third with 2:24:05.