Kwizera Breaks Spain’s 21K Record in Valencia, Lowers European Record, but Won’t Be Ratified

October 25, 2026

Rodrigue Kwizera delivered a spectacular performance at the Valencia Half Marathon. The athlete crossed the finish line in 58:03, a time that clearly breaks the Spanish record previously held by Carlos Mayo (59:39) and also surpasses the European record set by Andreas Almgren (58:06).

However, the continental record cannot be ratified at this moment. Although Kwizera is now a Spanish national, the transfer required to compete for Spain has not yet been completed, so his time cannot be counted as a European record.

The race also produced another remarkable performance by a Spanish athlete of Burundian origin: Thierry Ndikumwenayo finished second in 58:09, an extraordinary time that places him among Europe’s elite specialists at this distance.

 
 
 
 
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A post by CORREDOR (@soycorredor_es)

Dylan Holloway

Dylan Holloway

I’ve always been fascinated by the stories hidden behind a stopwatch, a finish line or a record-breaking performance. At Athletics News, I cover athletes, competitions and the moments shaping track and field, with a particular interest in the people and journeys behind the results.