Valencia 10K Ibercaja by Kiprun: Elite Runners Aim for Record-Breaking Performances

On January 12th, thousands of runners will take on the world's fastest 10K circuit during the 17th edition of the 10K Valencia Ibercaja by Kiprun. The event, which sold out on December 22nd, features an elite lineup from 25 different nationalities, emphasizing its reputation as Spain's premier 10K event and a holder of both the men's and women's world records.

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• View men's and women's elite field

José Enrique Muñoz Acuña, the Elite Athlete Coordinator and Sports Director of the race, highlights this year's objective to maintain the high competitive standard that Valencia 10K is known for. He anticipates another high-level race where, if conditions are favorable, we may see men finishing under 27 minutes and women under 30 minutes.

The men's field is particularly strong, with European athletes eyeing the European 10K record of 27:04, set by Etienne Daguinos in Lille in 2024. Among them, Dominic Lobalu from Switzerland, Isaac Kimeli from Belgium, and Andreas Almgren from Sweden are seen as the top contenders. They will be supported by a pacemaker aiming to break the 27-minute barrier.

Additionally, the race will feature formidable African competitors, including Ethiopians Telahun Bekele, Getnet Wale, and 1500m indoor world champion Samuel Tefera, who is making his 10K debut. Kenyan athletes like Daniel Kinyanjui, Vincent Langat, and Meshack Lelgut also pose a strong challenge, with a total of 32 men in the field holding sub-28-minute personal bests.

For the Spanish contingent, Abdessamad Oukhelfen, the national record holder with a time of 27:44 on this course last January, leads the charge. Other notable Spanish runners include Daniel Arce and Juan A. Pérez Moreno. Uruguayan athlete Santiago Catrofe, now based in Spain, aims to break the South American record of 27:51 set by Argentine Antonio Silio in 1990.

In the women's race, the field is just as competitive, with Ethiopian Fotyen Tesfay, Kenyan Christine Chesiro, and the promising young Ethiopian Asayech Ayichew, recent winner of the Great Ethiopian Run, all targeting fast times.

European contenders include Slovenian Klara Lukan, French Mekdes Woldu, and British Abbie Donnelly, each aiming to surpass their personal bests. Spanish favorites Alicia Berzosa and Laura Priego, along with María José Pérez from Serrano Athletics Club, are expected to lead the national category.

The Valencia 10K has a storied history of record-breaking performances, including the men’s world record set in 2020 at 26:24 and last year's women's world record of 28:46 by Agnes Jebet. Abdessamad Oukhelfen also secured the Spanish national 10K record with his 27:44 finish. As January 12th approaches, excitement builds for what promises to be another thrilling chapter in the Valencia 10K saga.

The 2025 10K Valencia Ibercaja by Kiprun, scheduled for January 12, boasts a formidable lineup of nearly 100 elite athletes representing 25 countries.

Men's Elite Field:

• Dominic Lobalu (Switzerland): A leading contender aiming to break the European 10K record, currently held by Etienne Daguinos (27:04, Lille 2024).
• Isaac Kimeli (Belgium): Another strong candidate targeting the European record, with a history of competitive performances.
• Andreas Almgren (Sweden): Joining Lobalu and Kimeli in the pursuit of a sub-27-minute finish, supported by dedicated pacemakers.
• Telahun Bekele (Ethiopia): A prominent figure among the African contingent, known for his impressive track records.
• Getnet Wale (Ethiopia): A versatile athlete with significant achievements in middle and long-distance events.
• Samuel Tefera (Ethiopia): Making his 10K debut; a two-time World Indoor Champion in the 1,500m.
• Daniel Kinyanjui (Kenya): Among the Kenyan athletes expected to vie for top positions.
• Vincent Langat (Kenya): Another Kenyan runner with a strong potential to influence the race outcome.
• Meshack Lelgut (Kenya): Adding depth to the competitive Kenyan lineup.
• Abdessamad Oukhelfen (Spain): The current Spanish record holder for the 10K (27:44), achieved on this course in January 2024.
• Daniel Arce (Spain): Coming off a recent strong performance in León, adding to the robust Spanish representation.
• Juan A. Pérez Moreno (Spain): A seasoned athlete contributing to the national contingent.
• Víctor Ruiz (Spain): Another notable Spanish runner expected to perform well.
• Aarón Las Heras (Spain): Rounding out the strong Spanish lineup with promising potential.
• Santiago Catrofe (Uruguay): Aiming to break the South American Area Record (27:51), currently held by Argentina's Antonio Silio since 1990.

Women's Elite Field:

• Fotyen Tesfay (Ethiopia): A leading contender with a history of strong performances, aiming to improve her personal best.
• Christine Chesiro (Kenya): Expected to compete fiercely for a top position, bringing experience and speed.
• Asayech Ayichew (Ethiopia): A young talent who recently won the Great Ethiopian Run, indicating excellent form.
• Klara Lukan (Slovenia): Among the European athletes seeking to break personal records on this fast course.
• Mekdes Woldu (France): Aiming to surpass her current personal best, adding to the competitive European field.
• Abbie Donnelly (United Kingdom): Looking to improve her times, contributing to a strong European presence.
• Alicia Berzosa (Spain): One of the favorites in the Spanish category, arriving in excellent form.
• Laura Priego (Spain): Expected to compete closely with Berzosa for national honors.
• María José Pérez (Spain): Representing Serrano Club de Atletismo, adding depth to the Spanish lineup.