Yomif Kejelcha runs third fastest time in the world as he beats Joshua Chepetegei in France

Double World Indoor 3000m champion, Yomif Kejelcha beat World 10,000m record holder Joshua Cheptegei at the 10km Villa de Laredo on Saturday (16) in Lardeo Spain.

Kejelcha went through the half way mark in a world record pace of 13:11, as he deconstructed the entire elite field that included the Olympic 10,000m champion.

The 26 year-old who had set his eyes on the World 10K record of 26:24 set by Rhonex Kipruto from Kenya in 2020, dropped the leading pack immediately after the pacers dropped out of the race with his hopes on the world record, started to fade as the pace slowed down.

This did not lower the spirit of the world 10,000m silver medallist, who held onto the lead as he cut the tape first in a new world leading time and personal best of 26:37, missing out on the world record by 13 seconds as he moved to number three in the world all-time list.

The World Road Running 5km silver medalist was followed a distant later by three times world 10,000m champion, Cheptegei, in second place in 26:53 with the 20 year-old, World U20 5000m champion, Addisu Yihune of Ethiopia closing the podium three finishes in a new personal best of 27:28.

Kenya’s Hillary Kipchirchir Chepkwony and Eduardo Menacho finished in fourth and fifth place in respective time of 27:43 and 28:28.

LEADING RESULTS

10KM MEN