Kipruto beats 5K world record en route to 10K world record in Valencia
Kipruto smashed the 5K world record on his way to a 14-second improvement of the 10K world record
Rhonex Kipruto of Kenya ran a new 10K world record in 26:24 on Sunday morning in Valencia, Spain. The 10,000m Worlds bronze medallist took 14 seconds off Joshua Cheptegei’s record that’s only six weeks old.
RELATED: Joshua Cheptegei breaks world 10K record at Valencia
Not only did Kipruto set a new 10K world record, but his first 5K, which he ran in 13:18, was also technically a record-breaking mark. The Adidas athlete closed even faster, negative splitting the race to finish in 13:06 (although World Athletics said these times are ineligible for ratification).
The current 5K world record is held by Robert Keter at 13:22.
WORLD RECORD!
Rhonex Kipruto clocks 26:24 (unofficial) at the @10KValencia.
(pending ratification)https://t.co/1DhANPOS1R
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) January 12, 2020
Third place runner Julien Wanders of Switzerland broke his own European 10K record. Wanders is also the European record-holder over the 5K and half-marathon. Wanders finished third in 27:13 to Benard Kimeli, who bested him by one second (27:12).
Kipruto is a World Junior champion who broke onto the senior scene in 2019. At only 20 years old, the runner was relatively new to the circuit but managed to claim a Diamond League title in Stockholm and bronze at the World Championships.
Congratulations to Rhonex Kipruto and Sheila Chepkirui for breaking the men’s and women’s 10Km world record respectively in Valencia. You have made us proud, fly the flag with pride. pic.twitter.com/NOTnQkeldh
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) January 12, 2020
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In the women’s race, Sheila Chepkirui just missed the 10K world record. The Kenyan runner crossed the line in 29:46, making her the second-fastest woman of all time over the distance.
Rosemary Wanjiru tied for second place with Norah Jeruto. They both crossed the line in 29:51. With three women running under 30 minutes for the 10K, Valencia 2020 was one of the fastest 10K races in women’s history.
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