Yomif Kejelcha has withdrawn from the Valencia Marathon after an injury during his preparation, ruling the second-fastest marathon runner in history out of one of the most anticipated appearances of the year.
The Ethiopian had been due to race on Sunday December 6, returning to the marathon distance after his extraordinary 1:59:41 debut in London in April.
Instead, the half marathon world record holder has announced that he needs to stop and focus on recovery, admitting it was a message he had not wanted to share.
‘I need to stop now’
Writing on Instagram, Kejelcha said: “This is a post I really didn’t want to make.
“I won’t run the Valencia Marathon this year because of an injury in my preparation.
“Sometimes sport is like this. I need to stop now, recover well, and work hard to be back on the start line soon.”
He also thanked those who had supported him through the build-up.
“Now I only have words of thanks for the Valencia organization, the team around me, my sponsors, and all the running fans who support me every day.
“Thank you.”
Kejelcha did not specify the nature of the injury or give a timescale for his return.
Valencia’s organisers separately confirmed his absence on Friday, wishing him well in his recovery and expressing their hope that he would return for a future edition.
Second marathon put on hold
The withdrawal postpones the next chapter of a marathon career which began in remarkable fashion in London.
Kejelcha finished runner-up on his marathon debut in London in April, clocking 1:59:41 behind Sabastian Sawe’s world record of 1:59:30 as both men broke two hours in a record-eligible marathon.
He stayed with the Kenyan for almost the entire race before finishing 11 seconds behind, immediately establishing himself as one of the biggest names over the distance.
That performance made Valencia a particularly enticing prospect: a second marathon on another fast course, in a city where he had already enjoyed major success.
Kejelcha set a then-world half marathon record of 57:30 in Valencia in October 2024. He reclaimed the world record with an even faster 56:51 in Buenos Aires in August this year.
Korir among the leading names
Valencia still has considerable quality among its announced men’s entries, including defending champion John Korir.
The Kenyan won last year’s race in 2:02:24 and was announced alongside compatriot Alexander Mutiso, who has a best of 2:03:11.
Dawit Wolde, Nibret Melak, former Valencia winner Leul Gebreselassie and Norway’s Awet Kibrab were also named in the organisers’ initial international field.
But Kejelcha’s absence removes a major attraction, with fans now facing a longer wait to see what he can produce after that exceptional first marathon.
