Letesenbet Gidey Sets Marathon Debut in Valencia

Letesenbet Gidey, the 24-year-old Ethiopian world-record holder in 5000m and 10,000m, will make her marathon debut in Valencia, Spain, on Dec. 4.

Gidey broke the 5000m world record in Valencia in October 2020, then broke the half marathon world record in Valencia last October.

She took 10,000m bronze in the Olympics, two months after breaking the world record in that distance.

Valencia is one of the best marathons for producing fast times, with Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir winning in 2:17:16 in 2020, the sixth-fastest time in history.

Neither of the two preceding world-record holders in the 10,000m: Ethiopian Almaz Ayana and Dutchwoman Sifan Hassan: have run a marathon.

Tirunesh Dibaba, who preceded Gidey as 5000m world-record holder, won the 2017 Chicago Marathon and last raced in 2018.

Last month, Yalemzerf Yehualaw ran the fastest debut marathon in history, a 2:17:23 in Hamburg, Germany, to break the Ethiopian record.

Gidey's debut will be closely watched, given her impressive record in shorter distances.

She will face a tough challenge in Valencia, but her speed and endurance make her a strong contender.

The marathon will take place on Dec. 4, and fans will be eager to see how Gidey performs.

Gidey's training has been focused on building her endurance for the longer distance.

She has been working with her coach to develop a strategy for the marathon.

The course in Valencia is known for being fast, with a flat and straight route.

Gidey will be looking to take advantage of the course to achieve a fast time.

Her debut will be an exciting moment for fans of distance running.

The world will be watching to see how Gidey performs in her first marathon.