Sawe runs fifth-fastest time on marathon debut

Kenya's Sabastian Sawe ran the fifth-fastest marathon of all time on his debut at the distance to win the Valencia Marathon.

The 28-year-old triumphed in two hours two minutes five seconds, a time bettered only by Kelvin Kiptum, Eliud Kipchoge, Kenenisa Bekele and Sisay Lemma.

"I am so excited and happy to win here. It is a great moment for me," said Sawe, who won the half marathon title at the inaugural World Road Running Championships in Riga last year.

Ethiopia's Deresa Geleta finished second in 2:02:38 and Kenyan Daniel Mateiko third in 2:04:24.

Ethiopia's Megertu Alemu won the women's race with a personal best of 2:16:49.

Ugandan Stella Chesang was second in 2:18:26 and Ethiopian Tiruye Mesfin third in 2:18:35.

A month after floods in the Valencia region killed more than 220 people, the race began with a moment of silence for the victims.

The organisers pledged to donate 3 euros (£2.50) for every finisher, and the 35,000 runners were invited to contribute to a flood recovery fund.