When Kenyan runner John Korir failed to finish Chicago Marathon race in which he was one of the favourites on October 12 this year, it hurt deeply. Stung by that disappointment, he returned home and embarked on serious training, with the target of winning Valencia Marathon weeks later.
On Sunday, he was among thousands of athletes who lined up for the race, seeking to run their personal best times, course records, and national records. For Korir, it was about trying to prove that he was still one of the best in distance running.
Kenya's John Korir celebrates after winning the Valencia Marathon on December 7, 2025.
Photo credit: Pablo Morano | Reuters
He ended up winning the race in a personal best time of 2 hours 02 minutes and 24 seconds ahead of Belgium’s Amanal Petros, who clocked 2:04:03 while Awet Kibrab from Norway was third in 2:04:25.
Cherangany-based Korir, who is the younger brother of former Boston Marathon champion Wesley Korir, surged forward in the second half of the race and returned to the finish line alone.
“I’m so excited to have competed well and finished as a winner today, having dropped out of Chicago Marathon more than a month ago. After that disappointment, I went into training with this target, and my joy is that I’m back on the podium again,” Korir said yesterday after winning the race.
Kenya's John Korir reacts as he crosses the line to win the Valencia Marathon on December 7, 2025.
Photo credit: Pablo Morano | Reuters
Valencia Marathon is one of the fastest courses, and a number of athletes use it to launch their distance running careers, seek faster times, or even records due to its flat course. World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum who died in a road accident on February 11, 2024, launched his marathon career in the race in 2022, clocking a course record of 2:01:53. Kiptum went on to break the world record in marathon, running 2:01:35 in 2024 Chicago Marathon. Berlin Marathon and the Chicago Marathons are also known to have fast courses.
Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei won the women’s race in a new course record of 2:14.00, becoming the fourth fastest woman in history. She won ahead of her compatriot Peres Jepchichir (2:14:43) and Belgium’s Chloe Herbiet (2:20.38).
Paced by Julius Bwambok, the race was reduced to a two-horse race between Jepkosgei and Jepchirchir until the last few kilometres when Jepkosgei took the lead and crossed the line as a winner.
Some 12 weeks after winning the world marathon title in Tokyo, Japan, Jepchirchir decided to compete in the Valencia Marathon after missing the London Marathon race in April when she twisted her ankle, ruling her out of competition for some time.
When she was contacted to represent Kenya at the World Athletics Championships, Jepchirchir was ready. She said that she loves her country and is always ready when called upon.
