John Korir scores a sensational marathon in Valencia, finishing in 2h02’24”, eighth world time ever. Difficult day for Yeman Crippa
Kenyan John Korir dominated the 45th edition of the Valencia marathonin which they participated 35,000 runnerswith the excellent time of 2h02.24. Eighth world time ever. Turning twenty-nine last Tuesday, the Kenyan cross-country skier has won the Boston marathon twice in the last two seasons as well as the Chicago marathon in 2024 with his previous personal best of 2h02.43. In Valencia he made the decisive attack shortly after the 25th kilometer after a passage to the half marathon of 1h01.47. His second half of the race was fantastic in 1.00.47. With a negative split of exactly one minute. Behind him, three national records fell. With German Amanal Petros second in 2h04.03, with the Norwegian Awet Kibrab third in 2h04.24 and finally with the Japanese Suguru Osako fourth in 2h04.55.
THE CRIPPA RACE IN X-RAY
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Up until the thirtieth kilometre, the Italian Yeman Crippa was also running at the pace needed to beat the Italian record of 2h05.24 set by Yohanes Chiappinelli. With passages of 29.36 (10 km), 59.22 (20 km) 1h02.40 (half marathon) and 1h29.05 (30 km). Then, suddenly, the crisis arrived. With a partial of 16.08 from 30 to 35 km. Even 17.42 from 35 to 40 km. Finally with the last 2195 meters in 8.05. To close the race in 2h11.00. In 38th position. Today was the sixth marathon of Crippa’s career. If there is a small step forward compared to the London retreats and the world championships in Tokyo, the time in Valencia is however the highest among his four other marathons completed. The 2h08.57 of 2023 in Milan, the 2h06.06 of 2024 in Seville and the 2h10.30 of last year at the Paris Olympic Games. A result that will certainly make Crippa reflect and with him Massimo Pegorettihis long-time coach, whether or not it is still worth insisting on the marathon or whether it would not be better to return to competing on the track. Where, among other things, Yemann is the national record holder from 3000 to 10,000 meters. Among the other Italians in the race, an obligatory mention for 28th Riccardo Mugnosso who with 2h13.41 set his personal record (prev. 2.14.31) in 2024 in Verona.
THE WOMEN’S RACE
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Fireworks also occurred in the women’s race, which was based on the great duel between the Kenyans Joyciline Jepkosgei and his compatriot Peres Jepchirchir, world champion in Tokyo. A long tug of war broken by Jepkosgei, who will turn 32 tomorrow, with a powerful push in the last 4 km reaching the finish line in 2h14.00. Fourth time ever in the world. For a very classy athlete who has won the London and New York marathons in her career. Red circle time with 2h14.43 also for Jepchirchir. Behind them, as in the men’s race, three national records fell. With the Belgian Chloé Herbiet (third in 2h20.30), with the Finn Alisa Vainio (fourth in 2h20.48) and with the Australian Jessica Stenson (fifth in 2h21.24).
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