Alex Yee Stuns with 2:06:38 Valencia Marathon, Now 2nd All-Time British

In a breathtaking display of long-distance running, British athlete Alex Yee has catapulted himself to legendary status with a monumental performance at the Valencia Marathon 2025. The Olympic triathlon champion, now focusing squarely on the roads, shattered his personal best to secure the second-fastest marathon time ever by a British man.

Yee's Historic Run Shakes Up British Rankings

The 27-year-old crossed the finish line on Sunday 7th December in a remarkable time of 2:06:38. This represents a staggering improvement of four minutes and 30 seconds from his marathon debut in London earlier this year, where he clocked 2:11:08. His Valencia effort now places him behind only the legendary Sir Mo Farah (2:05:11) in the all-time British rankings.

In a dramatic shift, Yee leapfrogged Emile Cairess, who previously held the number two spot with 2:06:46. Cairess played a pivotal role in the race, acting as a pacer for Yee and training partner Phil Sesemann for the majority of the distance before dropping out. Sesemann also achieved a personal best, finishing in 2:07:11.

Yee's seventh-place finish overall came in a race dominated by Kenya's John Korir, who claimed victory in 2:02:24. Korir's win marked a strong comeback after a Did Not Finish (DNF) at the Chicago Marathon, adding the Valencia title to his Boston Marathon triumph earlier in 2025.

Jepkosgei Delivers Fastest Women's Time of the Year

The women's race witnessed an equally commanding performance from another Kenyan star, Joyciline Jepkosgei. She powered to victory in 2:14:00, which stands as the fastest women's marathon time recorded anywhere in the world during 2025.

She was followed by compatriot Peres Jepchirchir in 2:14:43, with Belgium's Chloe Herbiet rounding out the podium in 2:20:38. British interest in the women's race was represented by Natasha Wilson, who finished tenth in a time of 2:24:21.

Full Results and What This Means for Yee's Future

The elite men's leaderboard showcased a truly international field, with athletes from across the globe posting exceptional times. Behind Korir, Germany's Amanal Petros was second in 2:04:03, and Norway's Awet Kihrab took third in 2:04:24.

Other notable British finishers included Jonny Mellor (2:08:45), Tewelde Menges (2:10:00), and Ben Connor (2:10:49).

This performance in Valencia sends a clear message about Alex Yee's trajectory. By deliberately focusing on running in the build-up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, he has demonstrated a phenomenal capacity to transition from triathlon supremacy to competing with the world's best pure marathoners. His dramatic ascent in the British rankings is not just a personal triumph but a significant moment for British athletics, proving new contenders are rising to the challenge set by icons like Farah.

Elite Men's Race Top 10: