Olympic Triathlon Star Alex Yee Sets Record Time in Valencia Marathon

Olympic triathlon star Alex Yee achieved a remarkable feat at the Valencia Marathon by clocking a time of 2:06:38. This performance ranks him as the second-fastest Briton ever in the marathon, finishing seventh overall in the elite field.

Record Setting Performance

The Valencia Marathon, held on December 7, was a critical milestone for Yee, who is renowned for his triathlon successes. His time places him just behind Sir Mo Farah’s record of 2:05:11 and Emile Cairess’ 2:06:46 set last year.

Pacing Strategy Pays Off

Yee, alongside fellow Brit Phil Sesemann and Emile Cairess, executed their race strategy flawlessly. They reached the halfway point in 1:03:32 and maintained an impressive negative split, finishing the second half in 1:03:06.

• Halfway Time: 1:03:32
• Second Half Time: 1:03:06
• First 10 km: 30:08
• 30 km Mark: 1:30:23

This meticulous pacing was aided by Cairess, who has previously excelled in marathon competitions, including a fourth-place finish at the Olympics.

Marathon Training Focus

Yee dedicated the bulk of 2023 to marathon training. His first marathon appearance was in London, where he recorded a time of 2:11:08. His targeted preparation for Valencia proved fruitful, showcasing his potential in this demanding distance.

Race Highlights

The Valencia Marathon is recognized for its fast course and optimal conditions. Although the temperatures during the race were slightly warmer than ideal, Yee’s effective pacing ensured he finished well within his target time.

Top Finishers

The men’s race was won by John Korir from Kenya, who finished in an extraordinary time of 2:02:24. Here’s a summary of the top ten finishers:

Yee’s stellar performance not only highlights his potential in marathon running but also sets a high standard for future competitions as he prepares for a potential return to triathlons leading to the LA 2028 Olympics.