Alex Yee Delivers Historic Performance at Valencia Marathon, Becomes Second-Fastest Brit Ever

Key Points

• Alex Yee ran 2:06:38 at the 2025 Valencia Marathon, becoming the second-fastest British male marathoner in history.
• The Olympic triathlon champion cut more than four minutes off his previous personal best.
• Yee now sits behind only Sir Mo Farah on the all-time British list.
• Kenya’s John Korir won the men’s race in 2:02:24, while Joyciline Jepkosgei set a course record in the women’s event.
• The race featured standout performances across both elite fields, including a Kenyan sweep in the women’s top two.

A Breakthrough Run for the Olympic Champion

Alex Yee delivered one of the standout performances of his career at the Valencia Marathon 2025, clocking an extraordinary 2:06:38 to become the second-fastest British male marathon runner of all time. The 27-year-old triathlon star, who won Olympic gold in Paris 2024, finished seventh in a world-class field on December 7.

The run marked only his second marathon appearance, yet he managed to slash more than four minutes off his debut time from the London Marathon earlier this year.

Climbing the All-Time British Rankings

Yee’s performance moves him to No. 2 on the British all-time list, trailing only Sir Mo Farah’s national record of 2:05:11. His time also surpasses Emile Cairess’s 2:06:46, which previously held the second spot.

Cairess played a key role in the race, pacing Yee and training partner Phil Sesemann through the early stages before stepping aside.

Korir Dominates Men’s Field With Blistering 2:02:24

Kenya’s John Korir claimed victory in the men’s race with a sensational 2:02:24, marking a strong comeback after failing to finish the Chicago Marathon. The win adds to his earlier triumph at the 2025 Boston Marathon.

Germany’s Amanal Petros secured second place in 2:04:03, while Norway’s Awet Kibrab rounded out the podium in 2:04:25.

Jepkosgei Sets Course Record in Women’s Race

In the women’s elite field, Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei delivered a commanding performance, winning in a course-record 2:14:00—the fastest women’s marathon time recorded globally this year. Fellow Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir finished close behind in 2:14:43, securing a dominant one-two finish for the nation.

What Happens Next

Yee’s breakthrough in Valencia raises anticipation for his next move in the marathon world. With only two races under his belt and rapid improvement already evident, speculation is growing about whether he could challenge Farah’s British record in the near future. For now, his Valencia performance cements him as one of Britain’s most exciting long-distance prospects.