In recent weeks, attention has been drawn to two notable performances from the Valencia Marathon that highlight significant competitive strategies and emerging trends in marathon running that may offer insights for trail and ultrarunners. Kenyan athletes Joyciline Jepkosgei and John Korir both delivered impressive victories, showcasing pacing strategies and race tactics that could inform those training for mountain ultra events.
Jepkosgei’s race was marked by a tactical duel with compatriot Peres Jepchirchir, underscoring the psychological as well as physical aspects of racing at elite levels. As they approached the 10 km mark, they began to gap their competitors, establishing a lead that would dictate the race dynamics. Their synchronized running early on illustrates the utility of forming tactical alliances, a strategy seen frequently in both road and trail racing. The two were seen exchanging supportive gestures, such as when Jepchirchir handed Jepkosgei her water bottle, which speaks to the multifaceted approaches to competition, where camaraderie can momentarily eclipse rivalry.
As the race progressed toward the latter stages, Jepkosgei demonstrated the importance of patience and the ability to capitalize on opportune moments. At the 35 km point, she gradually began to break away, showcasing a running capacity that peaked precisely when it mattered. This strategy of creating distance in the final miles is a crucial technique for ultrarunners who may need to surmount challenging terrain in the closing stages of a race. The ability to pick up the pace when others are faltering is often what separates elite finishers from their competitors in both trail and ultra events. Jepkosgei’s eventual finishing time of 2:14:00 not only signifies a remarkable achievement for marathon running but serves as a benchmark for pacing strategies that can be applied in mountain races, where energy conservation and timed surges are essential.
In the men’s race, John Korir employed a different yet equally effective strategy. Starting conservatively behind three pacemakers, he maintained a steady effort that enabled him to assess his competitors. Korir’s method of controlling the race pace and conserving energy until the second half provided him with the strength to launch a decisive attack, breaking away from the field when it became apparent that his competitors were beginning to tire. The essence of his strategy—demonstrating patience—parallels key approaches in ultrarunning where misjudging early race intensity can lead to catastrophic fatigue over longer distances.
Korir’s remarkable negative split, having run 1:01:46 in the first half and 1:00:38 in the second, exemplifies the value of an even or negative pacing strategy. For ultrarunners, especially in mountain races where elevation gain and descent can exert considerable impact, maintaining a controlled heart rate and effort level in the early kilometers can facilitate performance later on. This aspect of race execution echoes the necessity for ultrarunners to be acutely aware of their physical resources throughout longer distances, making tactical adjustments based on terrain and pacing conditions.
Moreover, the 2025 Valencia Marathon also introduced emerging athlete performances that could have broader implications. Alex Yee, predominantly recognized for his successes in triathlons, clocked 2:06:38 in only his second marathon. This performance not only establishes him as one of the top British marathon runners but also signifies a burgeoning trend of athletes successfully transitioning from one discipline to marathon running. For trail and ultrarunners, particularly those with a background in other endurance sports, this underscores a potentially innovative avenue for talent development and cross-training.
The race performances in Valencia brought new records and insights to the forefront. While the course may not replicate the direct environmental challenges found in mountain ultras—such as variable terrains, elevation changes, or significant altitude effects—the principles of maintaining a strategic pace, managing energy systems, and employing tactical decision-making remain vital components for all competitive running disciplines.
As trail and ultrarunners prepare for upcoming races, especially those that demand both physical endurance and mental acuity, it is worth reflecting on the implications of these elite strategies. A key takeaway from the Valencia Marathon is the importance of pacing strategies that involve patience, energy conservation, and timing surges effectively. By emulating these tactics, ultrarunners can enhance their race execution, particularly in demanding mountain conditions that require effective management of energy reserves and tactical adaptability.
