The 2024 Valencia Marathon, scheduled for December 1, has garnered significant attention with its high stakes and elite field. Despite recent catastrophic flooding that threatened the event, organizers and athletes have shown remarkable resilience, turning a potential disaster into a celebration of the human spirit.
Despite the floods, the marathon is proceeding as planned, with organizers offering support such as refunds for those affected by the disaster.
Prize Money: The Valencia Marathon has become a high-stakes athletic battleground with a staggering prize for a world record and course records. The financial incentive has turned every stride into a potential life-changing moment.
• A 4 Million Ksh. prize awaits anyone who breaks the course records of 2:01:48 for men or 2:14:58 for women.
• The real allure, however, is the €1,000,000 (approx. 135 million KSh) for breaking the men’s or women’s marathon world record.
Elite Start List.:
- Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma, the current course record holder, is back to defend his title, joined by the legendary Kenenisa Bekele, who at 42 years old, has expressed his ambition to either break or come very close to the marathon world record.
- The men’s field also includes Kenyan athletes Sebastian Sawe, Hillary Kipkoech, and Daniel Mateiko, who are enticed by a massive KSh 135 million incentive to break Kelvin Kiptum’s world record of 2:00:35.
With Amane Beriso’s (the 2023 World Champion and holder of the fifth-fastest marathon time by a woman with a personal best of 2:14:58), withdrawal from the women’s category, Megertu Alemu now leads a formidable field. Sara Hall, who is running her fourth marathon this year, brings her experience and resilience to the race. The event still features strong contenders like Kenyan runner Evaline Chirchir, promising an electrifying competition.
• Historical Context:
The marathon honors Kelvin Kiptum, who won in Valencia in 2022 with a time of 2:01:53, making him the third-fastest marathoner ever, following Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele. Kiptum later set a world record time of 2:00:35 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, a record he holds posthumously.
• Public and Social Media Reaction:
- There’s significant anticipation online, with discussions not only on the potential for record-breaking but also on the emotional resonance of the event due to Kiptum’s legacy. President William Ruto celebrated Kiptum’s achievements, recognizing his impact on the sport.
This marathon not only offers a stage for athletes to potentially make history but also serves as a tribute to one of Kenya’s brightest running stars, Kelvin Kiptum. The blend of competitive spirit, financial incentives, and historical significance makes the 2024 Valencia Marathon an event to watch.
