Kenya's Sabastian Sawe dazzled on his marathon debut as he ran the fifth-fastest time ever to win the Valencia Marathon, while Ethiopia's Megertu Alemu took the women's race.

He also becomes the second-fastest marathon debutant in history, behind Kiptum’s 2:01:53, set on the same course in 2022. Sawe was over the moon after thumping a foot of authority in Valencia. “I am so excited and happy with my win today. The victory means so much to me,” a jubilant Sawe said.

Megertu Alemu takes women's victory in 2:16:49 on a day that sees a spate of national records and PBs just weeks after the city was hit with disastrous floods

Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe set a world lead on his marathon debut, while Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu also captured a solid victory at the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso

Following devastating floods a month ago, Valencia hosts a marathon race giving the city a semblance of a return to normalcy with Kenya's Sabastian Sawe and Ethiopia's Megertu Alemu emerging as victors.