Indian distance running will have a significant presence at one of the world’s fastest marathon courses this weekend as four of the country’s top male marathoners line up for the Valencia Marathon 2025 on December 7th.
Widely regarded as one of the quickest and most competitive road races globally, Valencia is a World Athletics Platinum Label event and a proven venue for breakthrough performances. For India, the timing couldn’t be better.
The entries feature a strong quartet: Gopi T, Man Singh, Appachangada Belliappa, and Anish Thapa a group that represents both experience and promise, and collectively showcases the best of Indian men’s marathon running right now.
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The Valencia Marathon has built its reputation on speed. The combination of ideal December temperatures, a flat route, world-class pacemakers, and deep fields often results in personal bests across every tier of runners. For Indian athletes looking to break into the next tier of global competitiveness, racing here offers the perfect environment.
With top international runners like Freddy Guimard (2:13:56), Tewelde Menges (2:14:00), Alex Milne (2:14:03), and a stacked lineup from Europe, Africa, and Asia, the Indian quartet will have plenty of company at their race pace. The opportunity to latch onto consistent groups and experienced pacers is one Indian marathoners rarely get domestically.
Gopi T The Veteran Leader
Among the Indians on the start list, Gopi T, with a PB of 2:13:39, stands as the most seasoned campaigner. The Rio Olympian and Asian Championships medallist has consistently been among India’s strongest road runners for nearly a decade. His personal best places him second-fastest among active Indian marathoners, and he enters Valencia with a realistic chance to dip under 2:13 if conditions align.
Gopi has raced across major international marathons but has long aimed for a fast European course with an elite field Valencia finally gives him that stage. His recent races have shown solid rhythm, and with the right pack, he could be in line for another PB.
Man Singh India’s No. 3 All-Time
Right behind Gopi in the all-time Indian list is Man Singh, who clocked 2:14:16, making him the third-fastest Indian marathoner ever. He has been consistent over the last two seasons and has demonstrated significant improvement in pace handling and race strategy.
Man Singh’s strength is his ability to maintain metronomic splits deep into the race. At Valencia, where the 10–30 km stretch often defines eventual timing, such discipline could put him on course for a sub-2:14 finish. A PB would not only strengthen his own profile but also underline the progress Indian marathoners have made in recent years.
A.B. Belliappa, Aiming for Breakthrough
With a PB of 2:14:26, A.B. Belliappa is currently the fourth-fastest Indian marathoner of all time. His rise has been steady and measured, built on consistent training cycles and careful race selection. Belliappa’s endurance base and closing ability make him one of India’s most reliable performers over 42.195 km.
In Valencia, he may benefit immensely from the depth of runners around the 2:13–2:15 mark. If he manages to stay in a well-paced group, Belliappa has the potential to run his fastest career race.
Anish Thapa, The Newer Name but Big Potential
Perhaps the most exciting name, especially in terms of recent domestic performances, is Anish Thapa, who enters with a PB of 2:16:41. Earlier this year, he emerged as the top Indian at the Mumbai Marathon, a breakthrough that has placed him firmly among India’s next tier of elite marathoners.
Valencia will be a major leap for Anish his first exposure to a truly world-class marathon field. With competitors like Noah Schutte (2:16:46), Cole Gibbens (2:16:52), and Vincent Bierinckx (2:16:54) in his vicinity on the start list, Anish will have an ideal group to work with. A PB looks very much within reach.
A Strong Moment for Indian Marathon Running
The presence of four elite Indian men in a Platinum Label event reflects the quiet but meaningful progress India is making in long-distance running. For years, Indian marathoners struggled for opportunities to race in deep, high-quality fields. Valencia offers precisely the environment needed to convert strong training blocks into world-class times.
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All four Gopi, Man Singh, Belliappa, and Anish represent different stages of their careers, but all arrive with one common objective: run fast.
A cluster of PBs on December 7th could mark one of the strongest collective marathon outings India has seen in a single international event.
As the countdown begins, expectations are measured yet hopeful. Best wishes to all four Indian athletes.
The stage is set. The course is quick. Now it’s over to the runners.
