The Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich, set for October 27, 2024, is shaping up to be a landmark event in the global running calendar, especially with its history of fast times and world records. The men's and women's elite fields are stacked with top-tier talent aiming to challenge the existing benchmarks on the "ciudad del running" streets.
In the men's race, the spotlight will be on Ethiopian athletes Yomif Kejelcha and Selemon Barega, who boast personal bests of 57:41 and 57:50 respectively, making them two of the fastest over the distance globally. They'll face stiff competition from Kenya's Daniel Mateiko, who has also delivered impressive performances with a personal best of 58:26. The presence of European contenders like Samuel Barata from Portugal, Pietro Riva from Italy, and Emile Cairess from Great Britain, alongside other elite athletes, adds depth to an already competitive field.
The women’s field is equally competitive and historic, with Kenyan Agnes Jebet Ngetich making her half marathon debut. Ngetich is noted for breaking the women's 10K world record earlier in the year in Valencia, setting an astonishing time of 28:46. This remarkable achievement places her as a strong contender for the half marathon. She will be up against Tsigie Gebreselama from Ethiopia and Lilian Kasait Rengeruk from Kenya, among other talented runners who are likely to push the pace towards potential record-breaking times.
The Valencia Half Marathon continues to attract elite athletes with its flat and fast course, conducive to fast times and record-breaking performances. Both the men's and women's races are expected to see high-level duels, with multiple athletes capable of finishing under 58 and 66 minutes respectively, reflecting the race's reputation as a venue where athletes can significantly push their limits.
MEN'S ELITE FIELD
NAME | PB | NAT. |
---|---|---|
Yomif Kejelcha | 57:41 | ETH |
Selemon Barega | 57:50 | ETH |
Daniel Mateiko | 58:26 | KEN |
Isaia Kipkoech | 58:55 | KEN |
Edward Cheserek | 59:11 | KEN |
Bravin Kiprop | 59:21 | KEN |
Weldon Langat | 59:22 | KEN |
Gemechu Dida | 59:31 | ETH |
Samuel Barata | 59:40 | POR |
Pietro Riva | 59:41 | ITA |
Sondre Moen | 59:48 | NOR |
Denis Kitiyo | 1:00:48 | KEN |
Emile Cairess | 1:01:01 | GBR |
Richard Ringer | 1:01:09 | GER |
Yohanes Chiappinelli | 1:01:14 | ITA |
Birhanu Balew | 1:01:44 | BRN |
Hillary Bor | 1:01:47 | USA |
Morgan Pearson | 1:01:47 | USA |
Davor A. Bienenfeld | 1:01:49 | GER |
Vincent Langat | DEBUT | KEN |
Y. Huang | DEBUT | CHN |
Peiyou Feng | DEBUT | CHN |
Santiago Catrofe | DEBUT | URU |
WOMEN'S ELITE FIELD
NAME | PB | NAT. |
---|---|---|
Agnes Ngetich | DEBUT | KEN |
Tsigie Gebreselama | 1:05:14 | ETH |
‘Koko’ K. Klosterhalfen | 1:05:41 | GER |
Ftaw Zeray | 1:06:04 | ETH |
Tiruye Mesfin | 1:06:31 | ETH |
Sheila Chelangat | 1:06:47 | KEN |
Jesca Chelangat | 1:07:03 | KEN |
Samantha Harrison | 1:07:10 | GBR |
Viola Chepngeno | 1:08:05 | KEN |
Desi Mokonin | 1:08:10 | BRN |
Fotyen Tesfay | 1:08:46 | ETH |
Abbie Donnelly | 1:09:10 | GBR |
Domenika Mayer | 1:09:46 | GER |
Margaux Sieracki | 1:09:49 | FRA |
Fadouwa Ledhem | 1:09:59 | FRA |
Yumi Yoshikawa | 1:10:07 | JPN |
Clara Evans | 1:10:11 | GBR |
Hanne Verbrugen | 1:10:15 | GER |
Daniela Torres | 1:10:22 | MEX |
Moira Stewartova | 1:10:44 | CZE |
Lilian Kasait | DEBUT | KEN |
Diana Chepkorir | DEBUT | KEN |
Faith Chepkoech | DEBUT | KEN |
Ejgayehu Taye | DEBUT | ETH |