Who are John Korir and Joyciline Jepkosgei? Kenyan marathon runners won the Valencia Marathon

John Korir and Joyciline Jepkosgei are two Kenyan distance runners who turned heads on Sunday, December 7, at the Valencia Marathon in Spain. Both athletes delivered powerful runs on the streets of Valencia, showing why Kenya continues to lead long-distance racing around the world.

Their wins came on a fast course, strong weather conditions, and in front of a loud, supportive crowd.For John Korir, this race was about redemption. Just two months earlier, he failed to finish the Chicago Marathon in October. In Valencia, he answered every doubt with his legs. For Joyciline Jepkosgei, the race was a statement of dominance as she closed her season at the very top.

John Korir silences doubts with commanding men’s win as Alex Yee impresses

On Sunday, John Korir was the overall winner of the Valencia marathon.

At 27 years of age, the Kenyan ran a very efficient marathon, finishing with an impressive negative split, which helped him finish with a personal best time of 2:02:24. This was also John Korir's second marathon win this year, following a difficult time in Chicago earlier in 2021.Behind him, records kept falling. Germany’s Amanal Petros finished second in 2:04:03, breaking his national record by 53 seconds. “It’s not easy sometimes to say I’m proud of myself, but today I am,” Petros said after the race.

Norway’s Awet Kibrab placed third in 2:04:24, setting another national best. Japan’s Suguru Osako followed in fourth with 2:04:55.Alex Yee, a major player in this year's Marathon, surprised many participants by finishing as the highest-ranked Olympic Triathlon Champion, finishing his first ever Marathon at 7th place with the time of 2:06:38. As such, he is now the fastest British Marathon runner other than Mo Farah.

Joyciline Jepkosgei leads Kenyan sweep in women’s race with world-leading time

Joyciline Jepkosgei completed a perfect day for Kenya by winning the women’s race in Valencia in 2:14:00. Her time was the fastest in the world this year and the fourth-fastest ever by a woman. Jepkosgei took control late in the race and never looked back.“I’m so excited,” Joyciline Jepkosgei said after crossing the line. “It’s amazing to win here with a personal best. I felt strong, and the crowd really helped me.”Peres Jepchirchir's finish of just 43 seconds behind the winner put him second in the race and secured Kenya's first two spots. Alisa Vainio finished like Stenson (Jessica ) and Chloe Herbiet (Belgium) for third overall (2n20:38). For these athletes, the Valencia event was historically significant; it marked their national records.Also Read: “White House Is On”: Conor McGregor Calls Out Islam Makhachev As He Aims For The UFC 170-Pound Welterweight Belt Next