The Laredo 10K has become renowned for attracting some of the world’s fastest distance runners. The circuit in the Cantabrian town in Spain is among the flattest in the world, setting the stage for athletes looking to beat their records.
The 2024 edition, held today, was no different, with two of the most decorated athletes aiming to take down the 10K world record.
Among them was Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda, who currently holds the world record in both the 5,000m and 10,000m on the track and was the former world record holder for the road 10K.
However, Cheptegei had tough competition from Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who was also seeking the 10K world record.
Kejelcha holds a 12:41 personal best in the 5,000m and 26:49 in the 10,000m. On the road, his personal best is 28:13, which he ran in 2013.
Although Cheptegei came into the race as the favorite on paper, he would have to settle for second as Kejelcha stormed to victory in 26:37.
His time was just 13 seconds shy of a new world record and the third-fastest 10K of all time, knocking Cheptegei to fourth-fastest by one second.
Rounding out the podium was Ethiopia’s Addisu Yihune, clocking 27:28.
The women’s race also featured a stacked field, promising a thrilling race.
Among the favorites was Konstanze Klosterhalfen of Germany. Coming into the race, Klosterhalfen held the German national record of 31:01 in the 10,000m on the track, alongside the 5,000m national record. Her personal best in the road 10K was 32:24.
However, after a stunning performance, Klosterhalfen set a new personal best on the road of 31:07.
Coming in close behind the German was Kenya’s Purity Kajuju, clocking 31:24.
Rounding out the women’s podium was Irene Sánchez-Escribano, a Spanish crowd favorite, who completed the race in 31:35.
The Laredo 10K is just one thrilling event on deck this weekend. Stay tuned to our homepage for more race reports from this action-packed weekend!
