One year ago, Kelvin Kiptum, then a little-known athlete produced one of the greatest displays in the history of road race running to clinch the Valencia Marathon title.
Kiptum achieved that incredible feat in a sensational fashion, destroying the course record in his marathon debut. His time of 2:01.53 was only 44 seconds shy of the previous world record set by compatriot Eliud Kipchoge at the 2022 Berlin Marathon.
Although it is not part of the World Majors Marathon Series (WMMS), Valencia has in the past provided a platform for runners to announce themselves to the world and the upcoming edition is slated for Sunday, December 3 promises just that.
With a star-studded lineup in both the men’s and women’s category, athletics fans should expect something special on Sunday. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the race.
Joshua Cheptegei’s debut
5000m world record holder Joshua Cheptegei is finally set to make his full marathon debut in Valencia, having dominated the long-distance races on the track for several years.
Many athletic fans have been waiting for such a moment and they are going to witness it for the first time in Valencia, the city in which the 27-year-old became the 5000m king.
Cheptegei has a half marathon personal best of 59.21 and he is one of the favorites going into the race.
However, a victory in Valencia would not come easy for the three-time world champion owing to the calibre of runners that are going to line up alongside him at the starting line.
Geay’s Chance to Put Tanzania’s Flag on World Map
Gabriel Gerald Geay has single handedly done a brilliant job to put Tanzania’s flag on the global map in road race running, and the 2023 Valencia marathon offers a golden opportunity for him to go one step further.
Geay goes into Sunday’s marathon as one of the most consistent and experienced runners.
The Tanzanian national record holder improved his previous time of 2:06.10 set at the 2021 edition to 2:03.00 in 2022 when he finished second behind Kiptum.
With the latter’s absence, Geay knows that this is the best chance for him to go one better and bag the crown.
Kenenisa Bekele’s Reality Check
At 41 years old, Bekele continues to show why age is just a number in the sporting field.
Although most fans no longer rate him, the Valencia marathon provides Bekele a chance to show the world that he is still among the world’s best runners of all -time.
Bekele, who has been quiet this year, heads to Valencia with the fastest personal best of 2:01.41 set at the 2019 Berlin Marathon.
Having dropped out of this years’ London Marathon, the multiple Olympic champion seeks not only to answer his critics but also himself.
Speaking ahead of the race, Bekele stated that he is ready to take on some of the world’s best runners.
“I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be participating in the upcoming Valencia Marathon on December 3rd! After being sidelined due to injury, I’m back to test my endurance once again. It’s been a challenging journey, but I’m feeling good and more determined to take on this incredible race” he commented.
Kibiwott Kandie’s Second Chance
Kenya’s Kibiwott Kandie “Mr. Valencia” as he has come to be known of late, heads to Spain as one of the favorites.
Despite having a personal best of 2:13.43, Kibiwott knows Valencia very well and his experience is expected to come in handy.
Kandie, who made his full debut in New York City two years ago, has three Valencia Half Marathon titles under his belt after triumphing in 2020, 2022 and 2023.
Other male runners who are expected to put in a show in the streets of Valencia include Kenya’s Titus Kipruto (2:04.54) and the Ethiopian trio of Sisay Lemma (2:03.36), Chalu Deso (2:04.53) and Leul Gebresilase (2:04.02).
Alexander Mutiso, who has a personal best of 2:03.29 is another runner who has all it takes to escape with the title.
Stage Set for Ethiopian Women to Dominate
With the absence of star Kenyan female athletes, the stage is set for Ethiopians to reclaim the title won by Amane Beriso in 2022.
Tsegay Gemechu goes into Sunday’s race with the fastest personal best of 2:16.56, with two of her fellow country women in Worknesh Degefa (2:17.41) and Almaz Ayana (2:17.20) also having run under 2:18.00. The other Ethiopian runner to watch out for is Hiwot Gebrekidan.
However, victory will not come easy for the Ethiopians as Kenyan-born Romanian international Joan Chelimo Melly (2:18.04) also has what it takes to make her adopted country proud.
Similar to the men’s marathon, Kenya will be represented by only two athletes in Celestine Chepchirchir (2:20.10) and Jackline Chelal (2:20.29).
