Andreas Almgren Set New European 10km Record with 26:45 in Valencia

World 10,000m bronze medallist Andreas Almgren delivered another historic performance on Sunday, January 11, smashing his own European 10km record to secure a second consecutive victory at the 10K Valencia Ibercaja by Kiprun.

Almgren stormed to the finish in 26:45, slicing eight seconds off the European record he set when winning the same race last year. The time elevates the Swede to sixth on the world all-time list and marks his fourth European record in just 12 months.

• British runner Eilish McColgan sets a new European record with 30:07

After clocking 26:53 in Valencia in 2025, Almgren went on to break the European 5000m record at the Stockholm Diamond League with 12:44.27 in June, before becoming the first European in history to dip under 59 minutes for the half marathon, running 58:41 in Valencia last October.

Despite the early departure of the sole pacemaker in the fourth kilometre, Almgren still managed to push on alone, taking the lead from around three kilometres and maintaining relentless pace to the line, even into a slight headwind on the finishing straight.

“It’s the best conditions I’ve had here in Valencia,” Almgren said. “But I had to take the front from three kilometres, and it’s really tough to lead all the way. It wasn’t much, but there was also a bit of a headwind in the final straight.”

Convinced there is more to come, Almgren added: “I said a 10-second personal best would be acceptable today, but I feel like I have a very fast time in me. With a pacemaker for six or seven kilometres, I think I can run something really special.”

Spanish Record for Said Mechaal

Meanwhile, Catalan runner Said Mechaal (27) also shone. He set another record—this time a Spanish one—clocking 27:24, improving by 17 seconds on the mark set by Fifa in Valencia in 2025.

The Catalan, who was developed through the NCAA system at Iowa State, had been signalling big performances toward the end of last year. He broke the 15km record (as a split) at the Paris 20K, came close to the half marathon record a month ago, and has now climbed into the top 10 of the all-time European rankings.

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Top Results Men's 10K

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