John Korir, Joyciline Jepkosgei lead Kenyan sweep at 2025 Valencia Marathon
The Valencia Marathon, one of the final major events on the global road-running calendar, once again delivered its trademark fast times, with athletes producing standout performances to close the year.
Kenya enjoyed a triumphant Sunday at the 2025 Valencia Marathon, as John Korir sealed his second victory of the season in the men’s race before Joyciline Jepkosgei stormed to a world-leading time to win the women’s event.
Korir, the reigning Boston Marathon champion and last year’s Chicago Marathon winner, lined up in Valencia eager to rebound from a disappointing run in Chicago in October, where he failed to finish.
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The Valencia Marathon, one of the final major events on the global road-running calendar, once again delivered its trademark fast times, with athletes producing standout performances to close the year.
Korir ensured there was no repeat of October’s struggles. Breaking away from the lead pack shortly after the 25km mark, he maintained a relentless pace to the finish, running a negative split to stop the clock at 2:02:25, a personal best by 19 seconds.
The 31-year-old Jepkosgei stormed to victory in a world-leading time and personal best of 2:14:00, taking the top honour ahead of reigning world champion Peres Jepchirchir, who finished second in 2:14:43 – also a personal best.
Her time shattered the previous course record of 2:14:58 set by Ethiopia's Amane Beriso Shankule in 2022. She is also now the fourth-fastest woman of all time behind Ruth Chepng'etich, Tigst Assefa and Sifan Hassan.
Sunday’s triumph marked Jepkosgei’s second international victory of the year, capping a season in which she has competed in seven races.
Her first win came at February’s Barcelona Half Marathon, where she posted an impressive 1:04:13.
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