Agnes Ngetich breaks women’s world 10km record

World Cross Country bronze medallist Agnes Ngetich smashed the Women’s World 10km Record at the 10Km Valencia Ibercaja held on Sunday (14) in Valencia, Spain.

The 22 year-old became the first woman to break 29 minutes mark over the distance, when she crashed the previous record by 28 seconds that was set two years ago by Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw in Castellon.

Ngetich who was paced who was paced by her compatriot Japheth Kipkemboi Kosgei, made sure that the first world record fell at half way as she went through the 5km checkpoint in 14:13. That is six seconds faster than the women’s world record achieved in a mixed race, set by Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye in Barcelona in 2021, and matches the time Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet set in a woman-only race in Barcelona a fortnight ago.

Ngetich led a 1-2-3 Kenyan podium finmish as she cut the in a new world record of 28:46 and was followed by cross country specialist Emmaculate Anyango who also dipped under 29 minutes, clocking 28:57 to finish second with the World Athletics Road Running Championships, Riga silver medallist Lilian Kasait Rengeruk wrapping up the podium three finishes in 29:32.

Janeth Chepngetich and Joy Cheptoyek finished in fourth and fifth place in respective time of 29:55 and 30:03.

“I am so happy. I didn’t expect this world record,” said Ngetich. “I was coming to improve my time, at least somewhere around 29:14, but I am happy that I ran a world record of 28 minutes. I didn’t expect this.”

LEADING RESULTS

10KM WOMEN

Agnes Jebet Ngetich                 (KEN)    28:46 WR

Emmaculate Anyango Achol    (KEN)    28:57

Lilian Kasait Rengeruk             (KEN)   29:32

Janeth Chepngetich                   (KEN)    29:55

Joy Cheptoyek                           (UGA)   30:03

Loice Chemnung                       (KEN)    30:08

Cinthia Chepngeno                    (KEN)    30:08

Irine Cheptai                              (KEN)    30:17

Fotyen Tesfay Haiylu                (ETH)    30:20

Sarah Chelangat                         (UGA)   30:26