Collected collage

PARIS, France, Dec 7, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Kenyans John Korir and Joyciline Jepkosgei both set personal bests as they won the men's and women's Valencia marathons on Sunday.

On a course renowned for fast times, Korir, who won in Boston in April but failed to finish in Chicago in October, came home in 2 hours 02 minutes 24 seconds -- the eighth-fastest all-time men's marathon.

Jepkosgei set a woman's course record as she won in 2:14:00, the fourth-best women's time in history.

Korir launched a blistering attack at the 25-kilometre mark (15.5 miles) to burn off his rivals. He finished almost two minutes ahead of Germany runner up Amanal Petros (2:04:03). Norway's Awet Kibrab (2:04:25) was third.

Ethiopian Sisay Lemma, winner in 2023 when he set a Valencia men's record of 2:01:48, cracked after Korir's acceleration and finished 25th in 2:08:58.

Jepkosgei, winner of the 2021 London Marathon, fought a thrilling duel with her compatriot Peres Jepchirchir, the world champion in Tokyo in September.

With seven kilometres to go, Jepchirchir accelerated and dropped Jepkosgei but was unable to maintain her pace.

Jepkosgei finally overtook in the final kilometre and pulled away to finish 43 seconds ahead.

Valencia Marathon organisers said a record 36,000 runners took part in the 45th edition of their race on Sunday.