Agnes Ngetich Shatters 10km World Record in Valencia

Kenyan runner Agnes Ngetich smashed the women’s 10km world record at the 10K Valencia Ibercaja, a World Athletics Label road race, on Sunday, January 14, 2024.

The 22-year-old finished the race in a stunning 28:46, becoming the first woman to run 10km in under 29 minutes. 

She beat the previous record of 29:14, held by Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw since 2022, by 28 seconds.

Ngetich also broke the women’s 5km world record in a mixed race, clocking 14:13 at the halfway point. This was six seconds faster than the mark set by Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye in Barcelona in 2021, and equal to the time achieved by Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet in a women-only race in Barcelona two weeks earlier.

Ngetich’s 10km time was even faster than the women’s world record for the distance on the track, which stands at 29:01.03 by Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey.

Ngetich was ecstatic after her historic performance.

“Honestly, my clear goal was to break the world record, but 28:46 is beyond any expectations,” said Ngetich. “When I saw 14:13 by halfway, I didn’t scare; it just motivated me a lot to keep on pushing until the end.

“I have no words to describe what I feel now.”

Women Results

1 Agnes Ngetich (KEN) 28:46
2 Emmaculate Anyango (KEN) 28:57
3 Lilian Rengeruk (KEN) 29:32
4 Janeth Chepngetich (KEN) 29:55
5 Joy Cheptoyek (UGA) 30:03
6 Loice Chemnung (KEN) 30:08
7 Cintia Chepngeno (KEN) 30:08
8 Irine Cheptai (KEN) 30:17
9 Fotyen Tesfay Hailu (ETH) 30:20
10 Sarah Chelangat (UGA) 30:26

Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo Claims Victory in 26:48

In the men’s race, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo claimed victory after crossing the finish line in 26:48, beating second-placed Ethiopian Birhanu Balew (26:59).

“I came to Valencia to run a fast time, and I just did, so I’m quite satisfied,” said Kiplimo. “I’m still doubtful on competing at the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, as my primary goal this year is the Olympic Games where I would like to double in the 5000m and 10,000m.”

Men Results