Ngetich Shatters World 10K Record with Phenomenal 28:46 in Valencia

Kenya’s Agnes Jebet Ngetich has redefined the limits of running by setting a new women’s world 10km record at the 10K Valencia Ibercaja. The 22-year-old clocked an incredible 28:46 on Sunday (14th January 2024), becoming the first woman to ever break the 29-minute barrier for the distance.

This remarkable achievement surpasses the previous road world record of 29:14, set by Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw in Castellon two years ago. Fellow Kenyan Emmaculate Anyango also made headlines by finishing in 28:57, becoming the second woman to dip under 29 minutes.

The men’s event saw Uganda’s world cross country champion Jacob Kiplimo triumph with an impressive time of 26:48.

Ngetich, a world cross country bronze medallist, was expertly paced by Japheth Kipkemboi Kosgei. She reached the 5km mark in 14:13, matching Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet’s time in a women-only race and setting a blistering pace that promised a historic finish.

Her final time of 28:46 is not only a landmark for road races but is also faster than the current women’s world 10,000m track record, held by Letesenbet Gidey at 29:01.03.

The race began with a rapid pace, with Ngetich, Anyango, and world 5km silver medallist Lilian Rengeruk leading the pack. Despite a challenging headwind in the latter half, Ngetich maintained her extraordinary momentum to finish with a world record.

Reflecting on her achievement, Ngetich expressed her surprise and delight, telling World Athletics, “Honestly, my clear goal was to break the world record, but 28:46 is beyond any expectations.” She is now setting her sights on the upcoming World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Belgrade and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

In a world where shoe innovation plays a huge role in professional running, it’s interesting to note that Ngetich was not wearing adidas’ top-of-the-range Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 – a shoe that can hold its own on shorter distances. Instead, she opted for adidas’ Takumi Sen 9s – a shoe that we mere mortals can pick up for £120/$150.

We’re blown away by Ngetich’s achievement here at The Running Channel. Dan Harkins, over on our Facebook page, summed it up well: “That’s usually my 5k time!”