Kenya's Sabastian Sawe dazzled on his marathon debut as he ran the fifth-fastest time ever to win the Valencia Marathon, while Ethiopia's Megertu Alemu took the women's race.

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.

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

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

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

Following devastating floods a month ago, Valencia hosts a marathon race giving the city a semblance of a return to normalcy with Kenya's Sabastian Sawe and Ethiopia's Megertu Alemu emerging as victors.