2023 World Half Marathon Champion Sebastian Sawe believes he can achieve more records after a dominant display in his maiden 42km race in Valencia on Sunday.
“After this first Marathon I’m sure I can obtain more records,” Sawe said.
He noted that after going through half the course in Valencia, he gained confidence that he could emerge victorious and decided to go for it.
“During the first part of course, I gauged my form and how I was going and that gave me the drive to push on and go for the win.”
Sawe clocked a world lead time of 2:02:05 to stun the field with Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta finishing second in 2:02:38 and Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko securing third in 2:04:24.
Pre-race favourite and defending champion Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia struggled to match the punishing pace, finishing 10th in 2:04:59.
Sawe, 28, was elated with his achievement, acknowledging the extraordinary feat as a defining moment in his career.
“I am really glad I was able to post a good time especially this being my marathon debut,” he noted.
Sawe’s time places him in elite company, trailing only world record holder Kelvin Kiptum ( 2:00:35 ), two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge ( 2:01:09 ), Kenenisa Bekele ( 2:01:41 ) and Sisay Lemma ( 2:01:48 ).
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.
Sawe’s performance was a masterclass in pacing and endurance.
He stayed comfortably within the lead pack, then surged away in the final 10 kilometres, leaving Geleta and Mateiko in his wake.
Sawe’s consistent splits showcased his remarkable endurance and pacing strategy, with 10km intervals of 29:04, 29:03, 29:16, and a stunning 28:30 in the final segment.
This victory caps off a stellar year for the 28-year-old, who also triumphed at the Copenhagen ( 58:05 ) and Prague Half Marathons ( 58:24 ) and claimed the Atlanta 10km road race title in 28:03.
Sawe extended his condolences to Valencia residents affected by the devastating October floods that saw the death of 223 people.
“I condole with the people of Valencia for the great tragedy that has befallen them. It is really sad and we should all Pray for them,” he noted.
Sawe’s accolades on the roads
include gold during last year’s
World Half Marathon Championships in Riga, Latvia, where he set
a course record time of 59:10.
