Sabastian Sawe achieves best time of the year in emotional Valencia Marathon

The 44th edition of the race, which has paid tribute from the first moment to the victims and those affected by the damage of last October 29, has left in its sporting aspect results that, although they do not mean new records, consolidate it among the best of the world.

It was not until the last kilometers of the race when Sawe took the lead of the group to end up winning in what is his first marathon. Behind the Kenyan, Deresa Geleta came in second with 2:02:38, a personal best for the Ethiopian, and in third place was Daniel Mateiko, who made his debut with a great 2:04:24.

In the female category, the winner was Megertu Alemu with a time of 2:16:49, and after her came Stella Chesang, second, with 2:18:26 and Tiruye Mesfin, third, with 2:18:35.

The first Spaniard was Ibrahim Chakir with a time of 2:07:32, the second Dani Mateo with 2:08:57 and the third, Andreu Blanes 2:09:18, the first Valencian and record of the Comunitat Valenciana. Among the women, the first was once again Majida Maayouf, who was 26 seconds away from her own Spanish record with 2:21:43. After her, the second was Laura Luengo, with 2:22:31, and third was Fatima Ouhaddou, with 2:24:05.

Before the start, the organization wanted to thank all the runners by sending a message in several languages to all those present. In addition, the anthem of the Comunitat Valenciana was played and a minute of silence was observed. This tribute has been repeated at each of the nine starting shots that have been fired and, on this occasion, have been carried out by representatives of civil society and the security forces that have been and continue to work in the areas affected: specifically, a member of the volunteer team, Policía Local Valencia, UME (military emergency unit), Policía Nacional, Guardia Civil, Bomberos Valencia and Protección Civil.