Uganda’s Stella Chesang delivered a remarkable performance at the 2024 Valencia Marathon, securing second place in the elite women’s race on Sunday, December 1.
The Ugandan runner clocked a personal best time of 2:18:26, finishing behind Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu, who won in 2:16:49. Alemu’s victory came after a commanding solo run in the latter stages of the race.
Chesang, alongside Alemu, led the women’s field through the early phases of the race.
The duo went through the halfway mark at an impressive 67:50, setting a pace that threatened the course record.
Despite her strong push, Chesang could not keep up with Alemu’s relentless surge in the final stages but held off Ethiopia’s Tiruye Mesfin, who finished third in 2:18:35.
The men’s race saw Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe claim victory in his marathon debut with a world-leading time of 2:02:05.
While no Ugandan athletes featured in the men’s top standings, Chesang’s stellar showing ensured Uganda left its mark on one of the fastest marathon courses in the world.
