CIM & Valencia 2025: Race Results Report and Analysis
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December 7, 2025, witnessed a spectacular split in the global marathon calendar, offering two distinct yet equally compelling narratives. In Valencia, Spain, the pursuit of all-time speed reigned supreme, dominated by tactical negative splits and an international record deluge. Simultaneously, the California International Marathon (CIM) in Sacramento hosted the USATF Marathon Championships, where American depth and ideal weather created a record-smashing crucible for Olympic Trials qualification.
The result was a spectacular double-feature that highlighted the two distinct faces of elite distance running: maximum velocity abroad versus strategic depth at home.
Part I: The Valencia Velocity Lab
The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich once again proved to be the world’s fastest course, with elite fields shattering records and producing times that now sit among the best in history.
The Sub-2:15 Women’s Club and the World Lead
The women’s race was a masterclass in aggressive pacing with an elite pack that ran the first half in a blistering 1:06:34. Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei emerged as the technical winner, securing her victory against Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir not through a desperate sprint, but with a powerful, sustained closing effort. Jepkosgei’s final time of 2:14:00 was the World-Leading time for 2025 and cemented her place as the fourth-fastest woman in history, trailing only the world record pace. Jepchirchir’s own 2:14:43 finish made her the sixth-fastest woman ever. The race’s global impact was immediate, with several national records falling in her wake, including those set by Belgium's Chloé Herbiet (2:20:38) and Finland’s Alisa Vainio (2:20:48).
The Men’s Redemption and Technical Mastery
The men’s winner, John Korir of Kenya, turned in a phenomenal performance. Korir utilized a classic negative split—running the second half a full 1 minute and 10 seconds faster than the first (approximately 1:01:47/1:00:37 split)—to break away after 25 kilometers and win in a personal best 2:02:24.
The field’s ambition was matched by its execution:
Amanal Petros (Germany) finished second in 2:04:03, decisively lowering his German National Record.
Awet Kibrab (Norway) achieved his country's National Record in his marathon debut, finishing third in 2:04:24.
The most compelling story of technical excellence came from Alex Yee (GBR). The Olympic triathlon champion executed a near-perfect marathon plan, clocking 2:06:38 in just his second attempt at the distance. The time immediately propelled him to second-fastest British marathoner in history.
Part II: CIM's Championship Crucible
In Sacramento, the narrative shifted from global records to American supremacy. Serving as the USATF Marathon Championships, the race benefited from what runners call the "perfect cocktail": ideal race-day temperatures and minimal wind.
Molly Born’s Breakthrough Debut and The Duel with Hall
The Women's USATF Championship was defined by the stunning debut of Molly Born. The runner powered away from the pack around the 20-mile mark, ultimately setting an American-only course record of 2:24:09. Her win was marked by high drama: Born famously stumbled and briefly collapsed mere feet from the tape before regaining her footing to cross the line. She finished ahead of veteran Sara Hall, who utilized the course to hit the Trials standard with a 2:24:36 finish.
A Historic Sub-2:10 Trio Defines American Depth
The Men's USATF Championship saw Futsum Zienasellassie reclaim his CIM title in 2:09:29. However, the real historical marker was the depth behind him: runner-up Joseph Whelan (2:09:41) and third-place Christian Allen (2:09:57) all broke the previous American course record of 2:10:06. The competition was fierce, with 39 American men running under the 2:15:00 barrier, underscoring its pivotal role as the nation’s essential qualifying event.
The December marathon weekend offered a study in contrasts: one race driven by the ambition to maximize the fastest course on Earth, the other by the necessity of national championship and Olympic ambition. Both events succeeded spectacularly, delivering a flood of record-breaking results that will shape the competitive landscape for years to come.