Copyright euroweeklynews
As is tradition in the Valencia Ciudad del Running, the day after the race is a time to look beyond the winners — and this year’s Medio Maratón Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Zurich 2025, held on Sunday October 26, certainly did not disappoint. Despite challenging weather conditions, the course witnessed an extraordinary series of performances, with five national records and a new European record falling in a single morning. Swedish runner Andreas Almgren had already hinted at his exceptional form during the pre-race press conference on Friday. When asked how long it would take Europeans to break the 59-minute barrier, he confidently replied, “a few days”. True to his word, Almgren made history in Valencia, becoming the first European to run a half marathon in under 59 minutes. His stunning time of 58:41 not only earned him a new personal best but also set both a European and Swedish national record. Behind him, Burundi’s Rodrigue Kwizera claimed second place with an impressive 58:39, improving his own national best. Meanwhile, Adriaan Wildschutt, making his debut over the distance, clocked 59:13 to establish a new South African record. France’s Alessia Zarbo broke France’s national record The women’s race was equally remarkable. France’s Alessia Zarbo broke her country’s national record with a time of 1:08:20, while Slovenian debutant Klara Lukan crossed the line in 1:08:04, also setting a new benchmark for her nation. Race elite selector Marc Roig praised the event’s results, noting that “the day has been quite good, although the wind played a major role. Both winners were ambitious from the start. We were close to world records, but overall it’s a satisfying balance, with the best marks of the year in both races.” Men’s champion Yomif Kejelcha admitted that it had been a challenging day: “Up to kilometre 10, I was feeling strong and in good rhythm, but then I started suffering stomach issues that affected me. Even without them, I don’t think I could have broken the world record today — the wind was strong and it made running tough.” Satisfaction with an event for everybody Women’s winner Agnes Ngetich also reflected on what could have been: “I’m happy with the result. I had the world record pace until kilometre 15, but I’m still pleased,” she said, adding that Valencia holds a special place for her. “I always feel very comfortable here — I’ve come three times and won all three, twice in the Half Marathon and once in the 10K. Valencia feels like home, and I hope to return.” Juan Roig, president of the Fundación Trinidad Alfonso, shared his pride in the event: “We’re very pleased, especially with the organisation by Correcaminos and the city’s support, as well as the number of visitors from outside the region. We missed the world record this time, but that leaves us something to aim for next year. It’s a pity about the wind, which the athletes said prevented them from reaching excellence once again.” Meanwhile, Paco Borao, president of the Sociedad Deportiva Correcaminos, expressed satisfaction with how the event unfolded: “We’re very happy. It rained, but we faced it head-on — the weather is the only thing we can’t change. Even so, we achieved near-record times, set a new European record, and the women’s winner produced the best half marathon performance of the year.” Smiling, Borao added, “Seeing every runner cross the finish line with joy, despite the rain trying to spoil the party, fills us with pride. Above all, we’re proud to once again give Valencia this spectacle of peace, health, and strength.”
