The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich is set to host a star-studded lineup on December 1, with Ethiopia’s finest marathoners Sisay Lemma and Amane Beriso aiming to shatter their own course records at this World Athletics Platinum Label event.
Elite Men’s Field:
Sisay Lemma, who clocked an incredible 2:01:48 in Valencia last year, is eager to defend his title and build on his recent Boston Marathon triumph. He faces fierce competition from compatriots with lightning-fast times, including Birhanu Legese, a two-time Tokyo Marathon champion, and Guye Adola, winner of the 2021 Berlin Marathon. Adding to the intrigue is marathon debutant Sebastien Sawe, a world half-marathon champion with a stunning personal best of 58:02 in the half-marathon distance.
Legendary marathoner Kenenisa Bekele also returns to the Valencia course. With a personal best of 2:01:41 and a track record that includes three Olympic gold medals, Bekele is poised to challenge the younger contenders in this loaded field.
Women’s Field Spotlight:
Amane Beriso headlines the women’s event, seeking to lower her course record of 2:14:58 set in 2022. Following her World Championship win in 2023 and consistent podium finishes at major marathons like Tokyo, Beriso’s form remains strong. She’ll be joined by elite compatriots such as Megertu Alemu, known for her successes in London and Chicago, and Hiwot Gebrekidan, who placed third in Valencia last year.
With so many top-tier athletes, the Valencia Marathon promises electrifying performances and a potential reshuffling of all-time records.
