Ugandan marathon national record-holder Stella Chesang is among the elite athletes set to compete in the Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich on December 1.
Chesang, who holds a personal best of 2:20:23, will face off against some of the fastest women in marathon history at this World Athletics Platinum Label road race.
Chesang’s inclusion in the field is significant for Uganda, a country making strides in long-distance running on the global stage.
Having previously excelled in track events, Chesang transitioned to road running with remarkable success. In Valencia, she will compete against Ethiopia’s Amane Beriso, the defending champion and course record-holder (2:14:58), as well as other top runners like Megertu Alemu (2:16:34) and Sara Hall from the USA (2:20:32).
The Valencia Marathon has become a prime destination for elite runners, and the 2024 edition is no exception.
The women’s race will see Beriso, the sixth-fastest marathoner in history, attempt to improve her record.
Chesang, however, enters the race as a serious contender, aiming to set a new national record and cement Uganda’s growing presence in marathon running.
In the men’s category, while no Ugandans are participating, the field includes legendary athletes like Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele (2:01:41), Sisay Lemma (2:01:48), and world half marathon champion Sebastien Sawe, who is making his marathon debut.
Marc Roig, the international elite coach for the Valencia Marathon, emphasized the excitement around the event.
“The mix of established champions and ambitious newcomers makes this year’s race particularly thrilling,” he said.
