Valencia, 22-09-2021.- The 10K Valencia Ibercaja enters the final stretch to offer a great spectacle this Sunday, October 3rd. The race, in which the number of registered runners exceeds 7,000 popular runners, will count on thirty elite athletes from 10 different nationalities in search of their best times in a Valencia Ciudad del Running that is more than ready for the occasion.
In fact, the world's fastest 10K continues to set the bar high and, after the World Record achieved in 2020 (Rhonex Kipruto: 26:24), this 2021 will be looking to break the women's world record (Joyciline Jepkosgei, 29:43 - Prague Grand Prix, September 2017).
The women's line-up is led by Kenyans Norah Jeruto (29:51 - València 2020), who dazzled in the 3,000m Obstacle final of the Diamond League held in Zurich on 8 September, and Margaret Chelimo, who has set the 10K Valencia (5,000m World runner-up) as her goal for this season. Rosemary Wanjiru (29:50 - València 2020) and Sandra Chebet (30:57 - València 2018) complete the list of outstanding athletes.
Men's elite
The men's race features a trio of Ethiopian and Kenyan athletes in Tadese Worku (10K: 26:56), the reigning World U20 3000m World Champion, Nibret Melak (27:26) and Hillary Kipkoech (27:35).
Likewise, Tadese Worku and Hillary Kipkoech arrive at the race in great shape, "making it possible for us to see an athlete under 27 minutes again", according to the Sports Director of the Valencia Ibercaja 10K, José Enrique Muñoz. Athletes such as Weldon Langat (27:24), Collis Koros (27:25) and the Italian Iliass Aouani (27:45) will also arrive on 3 October with the aim of setting a national record. On a national level, the participation of Serrano C.A. athlete Chiki Pérez (27:59) stands out.
Back to being the best 10K in the world
The Sports Director of the 10K Valencia Ibercaja, José Enrique Muñoz, has assured that "it has been a difficult year to make a good selection due to the fact that the pandemic has left the competition of athletes in big events for more than a year. Nowadays there are dozens of races worldwide and we are all competing to have the best athletes in our starting lines".
Even so," he continued, "we have worked hard to be able to count on a group of athletes who are in good shape and who have been selected months in advance so that they can focus on preparing for the race".
As for the goal set for this edition, "we are looking to continue to maintain the level of marks achieved in 2020. If the weather conditions are good, it is possible that we can get close to the World Record in women. It is difficult to talk about improving the records of the race, as at the moment Rhonex Kipruto and her 26:24 in 2020 is difficult to beat. In addition, we achieved the second best world record with Sheila Chepkirui (29:46). Even so, we will try to be the best 10K in Spain and the world one more year".
MEN | COUNTRY |
Tadese Worku Gebresilase | ETHIOPIA |
Weldon Kipkirui Langat | KENYA |
Collins kipkorir Koros | KENYA |
Nibret Melak Bogale | ETHIOPIA |
Hillary Kipkoech | KENYA |
Ronald Kiprotich Kirui | KENYA |
Iliass Aouani | ITALY |
Juan Antonio (Chiki) Pérez | SPAIN |
Zerei Kbrom | NORWAY |
Samuel Fitwi Sibhatu | GERMANY |
Samuel Barata | PORTUGAL |
Richard Douma | HOLLAND |
David Nilsson | SWEDEN |
Luuk Maas | HOLLAND |
Bastien Augusto | FRANCE |
Jesus Olmos | SPAIN |
Youssef Taoussi | SPAIN |
WOMEN | |
Rosemary Wanjiru | KENYA |
Norah Jeruto Tanui | KENYA |
Dorcas Jepchumba Kimeli | KENYA |
Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi | KENYA |
Sandra Felis Chebet Tuei | KENYA |
Betti Chepkemoi Kibet | KENYA |
Yitayish Mekonene Agidew | ETHIOPIA |
Sarah Lahti | SWEDEN |
Jasmijn Lau | HOLLAND |
You can download this press release HERE