Kenyans Peres Jepchirchir, Joyciline Jepkosgei and John Korir Face Tough Tests in Valencia

Kenyans Peres Jepchirchir and Joyciline Jepkosgei will be out to silence Ethiopia’s Amane Beriso as John Korir battles with Sisay Lemma at the Valencia Marathon.

A thrilling showdown is set for this Sunday’s Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso, as past world champions and course record-holders Peres Jepchirchir and Amane Beriso return to the World Athletics Platinum Label race.

The elite women’s field will see Jepchirchir and Beriso face off against former London and New York Marathon winner Joyciline Jepkosgei. In the men’s race, reigning course record-holder Sisay Lemma will be challenged by John Korir, who is fresh off major victories in Boston and Chicago.

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Clash of Champions in Women’s Race

Peres Jepchirchir, who won the world marathon title in Tokyo just three months ago, is aiming to repeat her 2020 victory in Valencia. That year, the Kenyan star set a then-course record of 2:17:16.

She has since improved her personal best to 2:16:16, set during her London Marathon win last year. The 32-year-old Olympic champion will be looking to dip back under the 2:20 mark on Valencia’s famously fast course.

Her main rival, Amane Beriso, is the very athlete who shattered her Valencia record. In 2022, the Ethiopian blazed to a stunning 2:14:58 finish, placing her fifth on the all-time world list.

Beriso followed that performance by winning the world title in Budapest. While she has not won a marathon since, the 34-year-old has remained a top contender, securing a third-place finish in Tokyo and fifth-place finishes at both the Paris Olympics and this year’s Boston Marathon.

Joyciline Jepkosgei, who finished second to Jepchirchir in Valencia in 2020, adds another layer of intrigue. With a personal best of 2:16:24 and a runner-up finish in London earlier this year, she is a formidable opponent.

The international field is also deep, with athletes like Great Britain’s Charlotte Purdue, Australia’s Jessica Stenson, and the USA’s Emma Bates seeking fast times. Former US record-holder Keira D’Amato and German steeplechase specialist Gesa Krause, who is making her marathon debut, are also on the start list.

Lemma Defends Record Against In-Form Korir

The men’s race is highlighted by a duel between Sisay Lemma, the 2023 Valencia champion, and the red-hot John Korir.

Lemma’s spectacular 2:01:48 victory last year not only set a new course record but also made him the fourth-fastest marathoner in history. However, the Ethiopian has not raced since, making his current form a question mark.

In contrast, John Korir enters the race on an upward trajectory. His breakthrough 2:02:43 win at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, followed by a dominant 2:04:45 victory in Boston, has established him as a major force. Korir’s recent success makes him the prime candidate to push Lemma to his limits.

A strong supporting cast is ready to challenge the frontrunners, including sub-2:05 athletes Tesfaye Deriba, Hillary Kipkoech, and Stephen Kissa. The field also features world silver medallist Amanal Petros, Kenyan NCAA champion Edward Cheserek, former Japanese record-holder Suguru Osako, and Italian star Yemane Crippa.

VALENCIA MARATHON LEADING ENTRIES

Women

Amane Beriso (ETH) 2:14:58

Peres Jepchirchir (ETH) 2:16:16

Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN) 2:16:24

Keira D’Amato (USA) 2:19:12

Fikrte Wereta (ETH) 2:21:32

Charlotte Purdue (GBR) 2:22:17

Glenrose Xaba (RSA) 2:22:22

Jessica Stenson (AUS) 2:22:56

Isobel Batt-Doyle (AUS) 2:22:59

Alisa Vainio (FIN) 2:23:06

Genevieve Gregson (AUS) 2:23:08

Emma Bates (USA) 2:23:18

Malindi Elmore (CAN) 2:23:30

Ester Navarrete (ESP) 2:24:40

Chloe Herbiet (BEL) 2:24:56

Meritxell Soler (ESP) 2:24:57

Gesa Krause (GER) debut

Men

Sisay Lemma (ETH) 2:01:48

John Korir (KEN) 2:02:43

Tesfaye Deriba (ETH) 2:04:13

Hillary Kipkoech (KEN) 2:04:45

Stephen Kissa (UGA 2:04:48

Samuel Fitwi (GER) 2:04:56

Amanal Petros (GER) 2:04:58

Enock Onchari (KEN) 2:05:20

Edward Cheserek (KEN) 2:05:24

Suguru Osako (JPN) 2:05:29

Tariku Novales (ESP) 2:05:48

Nico Navarro (FRA) 2:05:53

Justus Kangogo (KEN) 2:05:57

Yemane Crippa (ITA) 2:06:06

Felix Bour (FRA) 2:06:46

Felicien Muhitira (RWA) 2:06:54

Shokhrukh Davlatov (UZB) 2:07:02

Hendrik Pfeiffer (GER) 2:07:14

Philip Sesemann (GBR) 2:07:18

Abderrazak Charik (ALG) 2:07:20

Gemechu Dida (ETH) debut

Patrick Mosin (KEN) debut