Fireworks are expected to be witnessed on Sunday, December 4, when East African athletes line up at the 2022 Valencia Marathon in Valencia, Spain.
Letensebet Gidey, who holds four world records is the main attraction in the star-studded entry list that has been released by the organizers.
The Ethiopian road race runner is currently the world record holder in the 10,000m, 5,000m, Half Marathon, and 15,000m categories.
Also Read: Athletes Who Currently Hold More Than 2 World Records
She smashed the 5,000m and Half Marathon world records in Valencia in 2020 and 2021 respectively.
The 24-year-old will be seeking to add yet another world record to her impressive career in Valencia.
Marc Roig, an elite athletic coach expressed his delight in having a runner of Gidey’s caliber in Valencia.
“We are very proud that Letesenbet Gidey has chosen Valencia to make her marathon debut. It is a clear demonstration that we are an attractive marathon and of the very strong links between Gidey and the city of Valencia.
“But, as ever, the Valencia Marathon is not based on a single name: fifteen of the women have run under 2:26.00 and fourteen of the men under 2:07.00.
“And let’s not forget the three debutants with 58 minutes and another one with 57 minutes in the half marathon,” she was quoted by the organizers.
Other stars who are expected to attack the full marathon world record that was set by Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei three years ago include debutant Sheila Chepkirui, Mary Ngige and Sutume Kebede.
Kosgei broke the world record in Chicago on Sunday, October 13, 2019, when she produced a monstrous performance to reach the tape in 2:14.04.
Her compatriot Ruth Chepngetich nearly set a new mark a few weeks ago when she clocked 2:14.18 to win the 2022 Chicago Marathon title.