A preliminary view of Valencia Marathon’s international elite field

The Valencia Marathon has announced the first names in its international elite field for December 6.

Leading the announcements are Yomif Kejelcha, returning to Valencia for his second marathon following an outstanding debut in London, and fellow Ethiopian Fotyen Tesfay, who holds a personal best of 2:10:52. Both currently rank second on the respective men’s and women’s world lists, making them the leading names in an already impressive lineup.

The men’s course record is held by Ethiopian Sisay Lemma, 2:01:48, from 2023. It is the 10th fastest performance in history. The current world record is 1:59:30 from the 2026 London Marathon by Sabastian Sawe of Kenya.

Kenya’s John Korir and Joyciline Jepkosgei will return as defending champions. Korir ran 2:02:24, while Jepkosgei clocked 2:14:00, with both performances establishing personal bests on Valencia’s fast course in 2025.

Men’s field

Also entered in the men’s race are Kenya’s Alexander Mutiso; Ethiopians Dawit Wolde (2:03:48), Nibret Melak (2:04:00), and Leul Gebreselassie (2:04:02), the 2018 race winner; and Norway’s Awet Kibrab (2:04:24).

With seven runners already boasting personal bests under 2:04:30, the field has considerable depth. More contenders targeting fast times and national records are expected to be added. The Valencia organizing committee will announce an updated elite roster soon.

Women’s field

Joyciline Jepkoskgei of Kenya with her 2:14:00 from 2025 holds the women’s course record, which is the fifth-fastest time in history.

The world record is held by Ruth Chepngetich at 2:09:56 from the 2024 running of the Chicago Marathon.

The women’s race also promises considerable depth, with several athletes capable of challenging Tesfay and Jepkosgei.

Among them are American Emily Sisson (2:18:29) and Finland’s Alisa Vainio (2:20:39), both national record holders, alongside Kenya’s Lilian Kasait (2:19:35) and Ethiopia’s Aberu Ayana (2:20:20).

Check back soon for an update.

International Elite List