Valencia has long stood as a hub of sport and ambition, driven by business leadership that merges enterprise with community impact. Juan Roig, a prominent businessman, serves as president of Mercadona and also champions the Trinidad Alfonso Foundation, a pillar behind the Valencia Marathon. In a bold move that linked sport and philanthropy, Roig hinted at a substantial incentive linked to world record performances in the marathon, signaling a future where elite achievement could be rewarded with extraordinary prize money.
At the close of the 2023 Valencia Marathon, Roig spoke alongside Paco Borao, the director of the Trinidad Alfonso Valencia Marathon. The competition culminated with Sisay Lemma crossing the line as the winner, finishing in a course record time of 2:01:48. This mark stood just over a minute behind the current world record set by Kelvin Kiptum in Chicago that same year, a record clocking in at 2:00:35. The moment underscored Valencia’s ongoing appeal as a stage for record-chasing performances and a proving ground for world-class marathon talent.
Roig, with a lighthearted note, announced an ambitious incentive: a prize of 1 million euros would be awarded if the world record were broken in Valencia. In a playful twist, he added that half of the prize would go to Paco Borao and half to the eventual winner, underscoring the event’s collaborative spirit and his belief that Valencia can host a world record-setting performance. The declaration became a talking point for athletes, fans, and organizers alike as the city imagined a future where Valencia could claim a new milestone in marathon history.
Ethiopian Lemma sets a Valencia Marathon pace
In the midst of intense competition, Sisay Lemma emerged as a formidable force, delivering a performance that reinforced Valencia’s status as a premier marathon venue. The event showcased Lemma’s tactical strength and endurance, earning the respect of competitors and fans who witnessed a record-worthy effort in a city known for its fast courses and supportive crowds.
As the race unfolded, spectators witnessed a narrative of perseverance, strategy, and the pursuit of legendary times. The course record, achieved under Valencia’s favorable conditions, highlighted the marathon’s evolution and the growing depth of talent drawn to the event each year. The victory by Lemma, in particular, resonated with the broader message that travel, culture, and sport can converge to create memorable athletic milestones.
Incentives to accelerate progress
This edition introduced a significant prize structure, offering 250,000 euros to the individual who breaks the world record in both the men’s and women’s categories. The generous funding underscored the organizers’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is achievable on the Valencia course and reaffirmed the event’s ambition to attract top-tier talent from around the world.
Roig stressed his confidence in the marathon’s future, acknowledging that while the exact moment of a world record might be unpredictable, the drive to reach it is concrete. He emphasized the city’s integration of testing and competition into its identity, noting that Valencia remains a key cultural and economic hub within the Valencian Community and Spain. The event is positioned not merely as a race but as a demonstration of the city’s labor ethos and its public spirit—where athletes push themselves and the community rallies behind them.
Roig also applauded the origin and evolution of the event, recognizing the role of organizations like the LSD Correcaminos in shaping the Valencia Marathon since the 1980s. He touched on the competition’s substantial budget, which stands at around 6.5 million euros, and suggested that it is moving toward a state of near total sustainability. The remarks painted a picture of a race that balances tradition with forward-looking goals, combining sporting excellence with responsible stewardship of resources and community impact.