Sabastian Sawe Wins Valencia Marathon Debut

Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe made a stunning debut in the marathon by winning the Valencia Marathon with a time of 2:02:05, marking the fifth-fastest marathon in history. Sawe's victory surpassed other elite competitors, including Ethiopia's Deresa Geleta, who finished second in 2:02:38, and Kenya's Daniel Mateiko, who came in third at 2:04:24. The race was held shortly after devastating floods in the Valencia region, which prompted a moment of silence for the victims and a commitment from organizers to donate part of the proceeds to recovery efforts. Sawe's performance not only secured him a substantial prize but also places him in the company of marathon legends, following the footsteps of Kelvin Kiptum, who previously set a record for debut marathons in Valencia. His tactical approach during the race showcased his potential in long-distance running, as he surged to the lead with a quarter of the race remaining. Overall, the event was a significant highlight in the athletics calendar, reflecting both sporting excellence and community support.