Valencia Marathon showcases elite athletes for December competition

The Valencia Marathon has announced the first set of elite runners participating in the event scheduled for December 6.

Highlighting the lineup are Yomif Kejelcha, who is set to make his second marathon appearance in Valencia after a notable debut in London, and fellow Ethiopian Fotyen Tesfay, who holds a personal best of 2:10:52. Both athletes currently occupy the second position in the respective men’s and women’s world rankings, making them standout competitors among a strong field.

The men’s course record is held by Ethiopian Sisay Lemma, who achieved a time of 2:01:48 in 2023. This performance ranks as the tenth fastest in marathon history. The world record is set at 1:59:30, accomplished by Sabastian Sawe of Kenya during the London Marathon in 2026.

Defending champions John Korir and Joyciline Jepkosgei from Kenya are also set to return. Korir finished his last race with a time of 2:02:24, while Jepkosgei recorded 2:14:00, both establishing personal bests on Valencia’s rapid course last year.

The men’s race will see competitors including Kenya’s Alexander Mutiso and Ethiopians Dawit Wolde (2:03:48), Nibret Melak (2:04:00), and Leul Gebreselassie (2:04:02), the latter of whom won the 2018 marathon. In addition, Norway’s Awet Kibrab is expected to compete with a personal best of 2:04:24.

With seven athletes already possessing personal bests under 2:04:30, the depth of the field is remarkable. More runners who are aiming for fast times and national records are expected to join, as the Valencia organizing committee plans to announce an updated elite roster soon.

Women’s Competition Overview

On the women’s side, Joyciline Jepkosgei holds the course record, with her time of 2:14:00 from 2025 ranking as the fifth-fastest marathon time ever recorded. The women’s world record is held by Ruth Chepngetich, who completed the 2024 Chicago Marathon in 2:09:56.

The women’s competition will also include several strong contenders who could rival both Tesfay and Jepkosgei. Among the challengers are American Emily Sisson (2:18:29) and Finland’s Alisa Vainio (2:20:39), both of whom are national record holders. They will compete alongside Kenya’s Lilian Kasait (2:19:35) and Ethiopia’s Aberu Ayana (2:20:20).

International Elite List

This year’s Valencia Marathon features an impressive lineup of elite athletes from around the world, showcasing their remarkable personal bests.

Stay tuned for further updates.