Alemu unhappy with her 2:16:49 winning time in Valencia
Megertu Alemu she is unhappy with her 2:16:49 winning time at the 2024 Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso despite claiming the biggest win of her career.
The Ethiopian was just 15 seconds off her personal best of 2:16:34, set in London last April.
Uganda’s Stella Chesang came in second place with a new Ugandan record to 2:18:26 while Ethiopia’s Tiruye Mesfin took third place in a new 2:18:35 lifetime best.
The top 14 athletes ran inside the 2:25 barrier.
The Ethiopian, Alemu was thrilled to win but unhappy with her time.
‘I am a bit disappointed that I did not run even faster. I know that I can do a better mark, but I am happy to win today.
‘Between 35 and 40 kilometres, I decided to reduce the rhythm. At the finish line, all the people were clapping, and that was very special. I can feel it’s a different day for Valencia,’ she said post-race.
The win in Valencia was Alemu’s first of 2024 after failing to finish at the Olympics and placing fourth at the London Marathon.
