Kwizera and Yehualaw Lead Strong Fields for 2026 Valencia Half Marathon

Rodrigue Kwizera’s pursuit of victory, Kenenisa Bekele’s anticipated return and Yalemzerf Yehualaw’s comeback headline the 2026 Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich on Sunday, October 25. The race begins at 8:25 a.m. local time, with strong Ethiopian and Kenyan contingents set to challenge the leading names.

Men’s preview: Kwizera targets victory and European record

Kwizera returns to Valencia aiming to improve on his runner-up finish in 2025. Now representing Spain, he heads the field with the 58:16 he recorded in Prague in March and has the opportunity to become the first Spanish winner since the event adopted the half-marathon distance in 2006.

• How to Watch Valencia Half Marathon 2026

The organisers have also identified the European record as a target. That challenge became tougher when Andreas Almgren clocked 58:06 to win the world title in Copenhagen in September, leaving Kwizera needing an improvement of 11 seconds on his lifetime best. His ability to sustain that pace while responding to experienced rivals could determine whether Valencia produces a record attempt or a tactical battle for victory.

Ethiopia’s Jemal Yimer, listed at 58:33, is Kwizera’s closest challenger on paper. Fellow Ethiopian Tadese Worku and Kenya’s Owen Kapkama complete a quartet with entry-list bests below 59 minutes. Daniel Ebenyo and Alex Matata strengthen the Kenyan challenge, while Thierry Ndikumwenayo gives Spain another prominent contender.

Bekele’s inclusion adds another compelling storyline. The three-time Olympic champion appears on the official list after an Achilles injury forced him out of September’s Berlin Marathon. Should he start, the 44-year-old’s performance will offer an indication of his recovery following a difficult period of interrupted racing. His listed half-marathon best is 1:00:22.

South Africa’s Maxime Chaumeton is another athlete to watch. Announced as a debutant with a 26:55 10km best, he brings considerable shorter-distance speed to a race that will test his endurance over 21.1km.

Women’s preview: Yehualaw returns against in-form opposition

Yehualaw leads the women’s entries with a best of 1:03:51, achieved in Valencia in 2021. The 2022 London Marathon champion returns after becoming a mother, making her competitive condition one of the central questions ahead of Sunday’s race. Her pedigree makes her a major contender, but the opposition includes several athletes arriving with recent victories and championship success.

Tsigie Gebreselama looks particularly dangerous after winning the Lisbon Half Marathon in both 2025 and 2026. The Ethiopian has a 1:04:21 best, while compatriot Ftaw Zeray, this year’s Paris Half Marathon winner, brings another strong winning record. Kenya’s Daisilah Jerono also figures among the principal challengers.

Veronica Loleo returns after finishing third in Valencia last year and taking world half-marathon silver in Copenhagen. Caroline Gitonga, the world 5km silver medallist, adds further championship quality to the Kenyan squad. Their recent performances suggest Yehualaw will face a demanding test on her return.

The updated field also includes Sheila Chepkirui, Senayet Getachew and Miriam Chebet. Behind the leading international contenders, Spanish record-holder Carla Gallardo heads the domestic challenge with a 1:08:30 best, alongside Laura Luengo and Irene Sánchez-Escribano. With established champions, returning stars and athletes seeking breakthroughs, both races offer considerable depth beyond the battle for first place.

Men's Elite Field

Women's Elite Field

• How to Watch Valencia Half Marathon 2026