Sawe thrilled to win marathon debut in style, dedicates victory to victims of the Valencia floods
Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe says he is thrilled by his stunning, 2:02:05 world leading time to win the 2024 Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso.
The 29-year old’s time is the fifth in the all-time list with only his compatriots Kelvin Kiptum and Eliud Kipchoge, and the Ethiopian pair of Kenenisa Bekele and Sisay Lemma who have gone faster than the world half-marathon champion in 2023.
His time was just 12 seconds short of the course record of 2:01:53 set by Kelvin Kiptum in 2022 and ran the final 5 km in 14:06 and clocked 1:01:18 in the first half and 1:00:47 in the second half of the race.
Sawe told the media post-race he was confident ahead of the race
‘I am so happy to win the race today on my debut. It is a great moment for me. I had built up very well for this debut. I was quite confident of doing well. It’s an amazing day. I am so happy to be here and win in Valencia, which is so beautiful.
‘I was used to running the half marathon event. I was comfortable during the first half. I was close to the helm of the race and I thought that I could go faster, and I just did it. I dedicate this win to the victims of the Valencia floods. I pray for them. I am so excited,’ said the Kenyan.
