Valencia Marathon: Kenyans Assert Authority as John Korir and Joyciline Jepkosgei Claim Top Honours

Kenya’s John Korir and Joyciline Jepkosgei shrugged off stiff competition to win the Valencia Marathon on Sunday.

Korir, who failed to finish the Chicago Marathon in October, made amends when he trounced a strong field to win the men’s race in a time of 2:02:24, the eighth fastest time in history.

So dominant was Korir that he won the race in almost two minutes as the second-placed runner, Germany’s Amanal Petros, timed 2:04:03. Eritrean-born Norwegian Awet Kibrab completed the podium in 2:04:25.

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It was a perfect end to the year for Korir, who claimed the Boston Marathon title in April, emulating his elder brother Wesley Korir, who also triumphed in the US city previously.

Korir took off at the 30km mark and established a 30-second plus gap to the rest of the field and he was untouchable until he completed the race.

Meanwhile, Jepkosgei asserted her dominance on the road as he clocked a world leading time and personal best of 2:14:00 to win the women’s race, having fended off Kenyan compatriot Peres Jepchirchir, the world champion, who stopped the clock at 2:14:43, also a personal best, for second place.

Chloe Herbiet of Belgium took third place after clocking 2:20:38 with Jepkosgei’s time being the fourth fastest of all-time.

Jepkosgei ended a busy season on a high as she has taken part in seven races this year, including the Barcelona Half Marathon, which she won in February, and the London Marathon in April, which she stormed home in second place.