Ethiopian Sisay Lemma breaks Valencia Marathon Record

Ethiopian Sisay Lemma breaks Valencia Marathon Record, he showed class, as he smashed Kelvin Kiptum’s course record at the Valencia Marathon on Sunday, marking a day of Ethiopian dominance in the marathon event. In a stunning display, the Ethiopian athlete shattered Kelvin Kiptum’s course record to claim victory at the Valencia Marathon on Sunday.

Lemma finished in 2:01:48, securing the top spot ahead of Alexander Mutiso, the reigning Prague Marathon champion, who crossed the line at 2:03:11 for second place. Wolde secured the podium in 2:03:48.

Bekele made a remarkable surge, earning fourth place with a new master’s world record time of 2:04:19. Kandie, who held a prominent position for much of the race, finished in sixth place. Under Hillary Kipkoech’s exceptional pacemaking, Lemma, Wolde, and Kandie formed a leading pack shortly after the halfway mark.

Following Kipkoech’s withdrawal at 30km, Wolde took charge at the front, yet it was Lemma who executed the decisive manoeuvre.

Alexander Mutiso surged to claim second place for Kenya in a time of 2:03:11, with Wolde securing third place, 37 seconds adrift.

Kenenisa Bekele, a three-time Olympic gold medalist on the track, initially trailed by just over 20 seconds at the halfway mark, opting not to match the intense pace set by the leaders.

This strategic decision paid off for the 41-year-old Ethiopian icon, as he navigated past several slowing runners, including Kandie, to finish fourth, setting a new Masters world record of 2:04:19.

During his marathon debut, Joshua Cheptegei, holder of the 5000m and 10,000m world records, started strong, leading the pack and hitting the halfway mark in 60:35. However, the reigning 5000m Olympic champion from Uganda struggled significantly in the latter part of the race, ultimately finishing 37th in 2:08:59.

Top Ten Men Valencia Marathon Results as Ethiopian Sisay Lemma breaks Valencia Marathon Record

Women’s Valencia Marathon Event

In the women’s event, Ethiopia dominated the podium, securing a clean sweep. Worknesh Degefa claimed victory in 2:15:51, securing the seventh spot on the all-time list. Degefa surged ahead in the final stages, leaving behind Almaz Ayana, the Rio 2016 10,000m champion, finishing approximately 30 seconds ahead of her teammate.

Hiwot Gebrekidan secured third place, just under the 2:18 mark, while the remaining participants finished outside the 2:20 timeframe.

Top 10 Women Valencia Marathon Results