Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe ran the fifth-fastest marathon of all time on his debut on the distance to win the Valencia Marathon.
The 28-year-old triumphed in two hours two minutes 5 seconds, a time bettered solely by Kelvin Kiptum, Eliud Kipchoge, Kenenisa Bekele and Sisay Lemma.
“I’m so excited and comfortable to win right here. It’s a nice second for me,” stated Sawe, who gained the half marathon title on the inaugural World Highway Operating Championships in Riga final 12 months.
Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta completed second in 2:02:38 and Kenyan Daniel Mateiko third in 2:04:24.
Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu gained the ladies’s race with a private greatest of two:16:49.
Ugandan Stella Chesang was second in 2:18:26 and Ethiopian Tiruye Mesfin third in 2:18:35.
A month after floods within the Valencia area killed greater than 220 individuals, the race started with a second of silence for the victims.
The organisers pledged to donate 3 euros (£2.50) for each finisher, and the 35,000 runners have been invited to contribute to a flood restoration fund.