Yomif Kejelcha pulls out of Valencia, Agnes Jebet Ngetich gets set for her marathon debut

The 2026 Valencia Marathon was supposed to be one of Yomif Kejelcha's big days. But the Ethiopian, who impressed on his debut over the distance in London with a 1:59:41, will not make the start line on December 6 after being forced out by injury. On the women's side, all eyes will be on Agnes Jebet Ngetich, who is about to take on the 42.195 km with exceptional credentials over shorter distances.

The Valencia Marathon loses one of its major drawcards, but still has plenty to deliver a great show. Organizers confirmed on Friday that Yomif Kejelcha is out, with an injury preventing him from continuing his build-up. The 29-year-old Ethiopian, 10,000 m world silver medallist behind France's Jimmy Gressier in Tokyo, was one of the most anticipated names on the streets of Valencia. Having pushed the limits from his very first marathon, he had big plans for one of the fastest courses on the planet.

And no wonder. On April 26 in London, Kejelcha made an absolutely phenomenal debut over 42.195 km. Crossing the line in 1:59:41, he became the second man in history to break two hours in an official race, just behind Kenya's Sabastian Sawe, who ran 1:59:30. It was a stunning entrance into the marathon world, and it immediately put the Ethiopian on the list of men to watch over the distance.

He also holds the half marathon world record, an incredible 56:51 set in Buenos Aires on August 23, so the distance runner had everything needed to light up Valencia. On a course known for its speed, its long straights and its often ideal conditions, the prospects for fast times were especially exciting. Fans will now have to wait to see Kejelcha back over the marathon.

“I have to stop now, recover properly”

The Ethiopian confirmed his withdrawal himself, with a message that shows his determination to return to the top level. “Sometimes that's how sport goes. I have to stop now, recover properly and work hard to be back on the start line soon,” said Yomif Kejelcha.

No further details have been given for now on the nature of the injury or how long he will be sidelined. The priority is to let him get back to full strength before he returns to chasing fast times.

The men's race still has serious firepower, though, with John Korir on the start list. The Kenyan, who won the 2025 edition in 2:02:24, returns to the “Ciudad del Running” with a clear goal: defend his title and confirm his place among the top names in world marathoning.

Agnes Jebet Ngetich takes on her first marathon

The women's field looks particularly tasty, with the arrival of an athlete whose results over shorter distances are staggering. Agnes Jebet Ngetich has chosen Valencia for her marathon debut on December 6. And the 25-year-old Kenyan certainly has what it takes to make a success of her first go over 42.195 km.

Her 2026 season has been exceptional, with two world titles won in commanding fashion. First in cross-country in Tallahassee, where she put 42 seconds into her rivals, then in the half marathon in Copenhagen, winning by 50 seconds over her closest pursuer. Both performances confirm her ability to dominate the field as the distance gets longer.

In Valencia, Agnes Jebet Ngetich returns to ground she knows perfectly. The Kenyan won the half marathon there in 2024 (1:03:04) and in 2025 (1:03:08), the second and third fastest times in history. In January 2024 she also made a huge statement by becoming the first woman to break 29 minutes for 10 km, with a stratospheric 28:46. On her first steps in the marathon, she will line up against Fotyen Tesfay, the second-fastest woman in history thanks to her 2:10:51 in Barcelona last March. It promises to be a eagerly awaited duel between two athletes capable of aiming very high.