Kenya's Sabastian Sawe dazzled in his marathon debut as he ran the fifth-fastest time ever to win the Valencia Marathon in 2:02:05.

He also becomes the second-fastest marathon debutant in history, behind Kiptum’s 2:01:53, set on the same course in 2022. Sawe was over the moon after thumping a foot of authority in Valencia. “I am so excited and happy with my win today. The victory means so much to me,” a jubilant Sawe said.

Kenya's Sebastian Sawe went fifth in the all-time list after winning yesterday's Valencia marathon in 2hr 2min 5sec on his debut in the event.

Sabastian Sawe won the 2024 Valencia Marathon in his debut. The Kenyan star also ran the fastest marathon time this year, two years after Kelvin Kiptum's win

Kenya's Sabastian Sawe wins the Valencia Marathon in two hours two minutes five seconds - his first race at the distance.

A month after deadly floods killed 222 people and devastated the Eastern Spanish region and just a day removed from another massive demonstration

Megertu Alemu takes women's victory in 2:16:49 on a day that sees a spate of national records and PBs just weeks after the city was hit with disastrous floods

This year’s Valencia Marathon boasted a deep field that included the 2023 champion Sisay Lemma and Kenenisa Bekele pitched against debut marathoners Sawe and Hillary Kipkoech. The race is known for its flat course and fast results, and this year’s edition did not disappoint, with 10 runners finishing under 2:05.

Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe set a world lead on his marathon debut, while Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu also captured a solid victory at the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso