Yomif Kejelcha Impresses with 26:37 to Defeat Joshua Cheptegei at 10K Road Race in Laredo
Ethiopia's Yomif Kejelcha stunned the world by defeating Joshua Cheptegei from Uganda at the 10 km Villa de Laredo on Saturday, in Lardeo Spain. Kejelcha, a two-time world indoor champion in the 3000m, showed a formidable form as he destroyed the entire men's elite field, including the Olympic champion and world record holder Cheptegei.
The race pace setters went out aggressively, trying to attack the World road 10K record of 26:24 set by Kenya's Rhonex Kipruto in 2020. However, the only one who was able to keep up the pace was Jomif Kejelcha. At the half way mark, he crossed the 5k point in 13:11, putting him on the world record pace.
In the later stages, Kejelcha managed to pull away from the lead pack. However, after the pacers dropped out of the race, his world record hopes started to fade as the pace also started to slow down.
Despite the challenges, Kejelcha persevered and crossed the line in a new stunning Personal Best time of 26:37. Cheptegei took second place with a time of 26:53, nearly 20 seconds behind the winner.
MEN'S TOP RESULTS:
| Pos. | Name | Club/Nation | T. officila | T. Real |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | YOMIF KEJELCHA | ADIDAS - ETIOPIA | 00:26:37 | 00:26:36 |
| 2 | JOSHUA CHEPTEGEI | NIKE - UGANDA | 00:26:53 | 00:26:52 |
| 3 | ADDISU YIHUNE | ADIDAS - ETIOPIA | 00:27:28 | 00:27:27 |
| 4 | HILLARY KIPCHIRCHIR CHEPKWONY | Kenia | 00:27:43 | 00:27:43 |
| 5 | EDUARDO MENACHO | Asics | 00:28:25 | 00:28:23 |
| 6 | MOHAMMADREZA ABOOTORABI | ADIDAS | 00:28:42 | 00:28:41 |
| 7 | NAMAN KIPYEGO | NIKE - UGANDA | 00:28:42 | 00:28:42 |
| 8 | ARNAUD DELY | Union Sportive Braine Waterloo | 00:28:47 | 00:28:47 |
| 9 | SERGIO JIMENEZ VICENTE | Playas de Castellón | 00:28:49 | 00:28:48 |
| 10 | SANDER VERCAUTEREN | ACME - BELGICA | 00:29:03 | 00:29:00 |
