Sawe earmarks World Marathon Majors race after spectacular marathon debut

Kenya's Sebastian Sawe who made an impactful debut in the marathon on Sunday 1 December, winning the Valencia Marathon to set the fifth fastest time; 2:02:05, says he is now eyeing victories in the World Marathon Majors (WMM). 

Only compatriots, the late Kelvin Kiptum and Eliud Kipchoge, alongside Ethiopian pair of Kenenisa Bekele and Sisay Lemma, whom he competed against in the Spanish city, have gone faster than the world half-marathon champion in 2023.

Ahead of his debut in the classic distance, Sawe had run under 60 in all his half marathon races. 

Sawe, who had tipped the last seven kilometres to be the most difficult ahead of the marathon, was unbowed as he came from behind to reel in leader and compatriot Daniel Mateiko at the 36th kilometre as he went on to drop his closest challenger, Deresa Geleta, for victory. 

"It was a great experience and being my debut, I was prepared but I wasn't expecting such a race. I knew I would do well because I felt great but at first, my inexperience felt like a limiting factor.

However, keeping pace with the leading pack up to the 35th kilometre gave me confidence. At this point, I felt strong and reeling in the leaders a kilometre later was the morale booster I needed to go for the win," Sawe told Mozzart Sport. 

The 2 Running Club athlete says the feat is how he wanted to begin his career in the classic distance, hoping it would open doors for him to race in the WMM's, singling out London as his first target next year. 

Gor Mahia legend Blackberry set for league comeback

"I will take a short break before going back to training with April's London in mind. This win has unlocked a new level of confidence and desire to do more," he continued. 

What is more, going up against a loaded field that had defending champion and course record holder Lemma, who finished tenth, and multiple Olympic and World champion Bekele on his debut added to Sawe's fire to continue making a name for himself in the classic distance. 

For inspiration, the 29-year-old says he could not have had better training partners than the quartet of Benson Kipruto, Amos Kipruto, Evans Chebet and his closest friend in the group Cybrian Kotut, all experienced marathoners, among others as they have helped him with his preparations. 

"They have all been very helpful in training and the tips I got from them went a long way in helping me achieve such a feat on debut."

Men Results

1 Sabastian Sawe (KEN) 2:02:05

2 Deresa Geleta (ETH) 2:02:38

3 Daniel Mateiko (KEN) 2:04:24

4 Alphonce Simbu (TAN) 2:04:38

5 Tadesse Abraham (SUI) 2:04:40

6 Chimdessa Debele (ETH) 2:04:44

7 Maru Teferi (ISR) 2:04:45

8 Hillary Kipkoech (KEN) 2:04:45

9 Samuel Fitwi (GER) 2:04:56

10 Sisay Lemma (ETH) 2:04:59