Kibet Runs 26:39 World Lead, Schrub and Keith Break European Records at 10K Facsa Castellón

The 2026 edition of the 10K Facsa Castellón produced one of the fastest road races in history on Sunday (22), highlighted by a world-leading performance from Uganda’s Harbert Kibet and European records from France’s Yann Schrub and Great Britain’s Megan Keith.

Kibet clocks world lead; Schrub breaks European record

Making his debut at the distance, Harbert Kibet stormed to victory in 26:39, setting the fastest 10K time in the world in 2026. The Ugandan unleashed a decisive surge in the final kilometer to pull clear of Yann Schrub, crossing the line four seconds ahead in a race that saw four athletes dip under the 27-minute barrier.

Behind him, Yann Schrub delivered a historic run of his own, clocking 26:43 to break the European record by two seconds. The Frenchman improved upon the 26:45 mark set last month in Valencia by Sweden’s Andreas Almgren. Schrub now moves to sixth on the world all-time list.

“I hoped the French record was possible but not the European record. It’s a surprise for me,” said Schrub, the reigning European 10K champion after claiming gold at the inaugural European Running Championships in Brussels-Leuven last April.

Almgren, who had targeted another record-breaking performance, equaled his own continental mark of 26:45 but finished third in a stacked field.

Men's Top Results:

See Full Results Here.

Makandi leads Kenyan sweep; Keith sets European mark

In the women’s race, Kenya’s Caroline Makandi claimed victory in 29:34 after a controlled front-running display. Fellow Kenyan Nelvin Jepkemboi finished second in 29:44, while Ethiopia’s Dera Dida took third in 29:50.

The European spotlight fell on Great Britain’s Megan Keith, who finished fourth in 30:07, shaving one second off the European record set just last month in Valencia by her compatriot Eilish McColgan. McColgan also lined up in Castellón and placed sixth in 30:35.

Strong Spanish representation

Spain’s top performances came from Abdessamad Oukhelfen, who finished 11th in 27:48, and triathlete Noelia Juan, who placed 30th in the women’s race in 33:47.

With a world lead, two European records, and four men under 27 minutes, the 2026 10K Facsa Castellón once again confirmed its reputation as one of the fastest and most competitive road races on the global calendar.

Women's Top Results

See Full Results Here.