The 2024 Valencia Marathon is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent history, as top Kenyan marathoners look to break the late Kelvin Kiptum’s marathon record and claim a massive cash prize.

Kiptum, who tragically passed away in a grisly road accident earlier this year, set an incredible record of 2:01:48 in the 2023 Chicago Marathon.

The stakes are higher than ever, with a staggering Ksh136,150,000 (approximately €1 million) set aside for anyone who manages to break Kiptum’s course record.

With Kiptum’s time still standing as the benchmark, Kenyan athletes Daniel Mateiko, Hillary Kipkoech, and Sebastian Sawe will be among the front-runners attempting to make history and win the coveted prize, as Kiptum’s time remains the standard.

The first twelve runners to cross the finish line in the race scheduled for December 1st will receive prizes, but time will play a big role in awarding the finishes.

Men who finish in less than 2:04:30 and women who finish in less than 2:20:00 will receive prizes. The prize money is cut in half for runners who finish between 2:20:00 and 2:35:00, and there is no reward for those who finish outside of these time ranges.

Race organisers, including event patron Juan Roig, remains optimistic about the possibility of a world record.

“One of our dreams is to break the world record here in Valencia. We believe that one day a new world record will be set, and we are doing everything we can to make that happen,” said Roig.

Even though Kiptum will be sorely missed, his legacy will continue to motivate upcoming marathon runners.

In addition to the enormous financial payout, Sawe, Kipkoech, and Mateiko will run for the prestige of shattering the record set by one of Kenya’s best athletes.

Valencia, the scene of the next chapter in marathon history, will be the centre of attention as the race draws near.