Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.
Already a member?
Log in
Yomif Kejelcha, the half marathon world record holder and second-fastest marathoner in history, has been ruled out of next month’s Valencia Marathon.
The Ethiopian stunned on debut at the London Marathon this year, finishing second behind Sebastian Sawe to become the first and second men to ever break the two-hour barrier in an official race, but he has now pulled out of a highly anticipated second race over 26.2 miles in 2026.
The 29-year-old was looking to better his own personal best of 1:59:41 and claim the world record outright over Sawe on the renowned fast course of Valencia.
But his campaign has been prematurely ended by injury, with the race organisers confirming he will scratch, leaving last year’s winner and the two-time defending Boston Marathon champion John Korir as the red-hot favourite.
A statement read: “Unfortunately, we have to announce that Yomif Kejelcha, current world record holder for the half marathon and second fastest man in marathon history, will not be able to be on the starting line of the Valencia Marathon on December 6th due to an injury.
“The organisers of the Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Zurich Marathon wish Yomif a speedy recovery and hope to see him in another edition.”
While Kejelcha added: “Sometimes that’s how sports are. I need to stop now, recover properly, and work hard to be back on the starting line soon.”
