Elite Women Runners to Challenge 10 km World Record on Hong Kong Airport Runway
On November 17, 2024, Hong Kong International Airport will host a special 10 km race on its center runway, marking an ambitious attempt to break the women's 10 km world record. The event, officially titled the Hong Kong International Airport/Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon: Three-Runway System 10km International Race, aims to attract a significant number of elite athletes, with 50 slots reserved for top female runners competing to surpass the existing record of 30 minutes and one second set by Agnes Tirop in 2021
This unique race, taking place on a flat and fast runway track, provides an ideal setting for record-breaking performances. The organizers, including the Hong Kong, China Association of Athletics Affiliates (HKAAA), are keen to leverage this unique opportunity to see the women's world record fall on their newly minted course.
The event will feature a stellar field, including three Kenyan athletes: Lilian Kasait Rengeruk with a personal best of 29:32. Rengeruk is a renowned Kenyan long-distance runner. She captured a bronze medal in the women's senior race at the 2017 World Cross Country Championships. Additionally, Rengeruk has excelled in track events, having claimed the title of World Under-18 champion in the 3000 meters and earning a silver medal at the World U20 Championships. In a significant setback, Rengeruk faced a 10-month suspension starting in April 2022 due to her use of a hormone therapy drug, impacting her athletic career during that period. She is now back and will attempt to break the record.
Janeth Chepengetich, the African Games 10000m champion with a personal best of 29:55, and Loice Chemnung, with a PB of 29:57, are also contenders in the upcoming world record attempt.
In addition to the elite women’s race, the event will also cater to a broad spectrum of participants across various categories, including a men’s race that will start at 8:30 AM, following the women’s exclusive start at 8:10 AM. The event promises to be a spectacle of athletic prowess and is set to be streamed live on YouTube, making it accessible to a global audience.
Elite Women's Field:
- Lilian Kasait Rengeruk KEN PB 29.32
- Janeth Chepengetich KEN PB 29.55
- Loice Chemnung KEN PB 29.57
- Judy Kemboi KEN PB 30.29
- Seira Fuwa JPN PB 30:45
- Caroline Nyaga KEN PB 30.48
- Gete Alemayehu Teklemichael ETH PB 30:53
- Yalemget Yaregal ETH PB 30.54
Elite Men's Field:
- Gemechu Dida Diriba ETH PB 26:42
- Tadese Worku ETH PB 26:45
- Daniel Kinyanjui ETH PB 27:08
- Vincent Kibet Langat KEN PB 27:11
- Daniel Kimaiyo KEN PB 27:15
- Samuel Nyamai Mailu KEN PB 27:52
