Cheptegei tries for new 10,000m record

Joshua Cheptegei will attempt a new world 10,000m record on Wednesday 7 October at the Turia Stadium in Valencia.

Organised by the NN Running Team, Global Sports Communication and SD Correcaminos, the one-off event aims to capitalise on the Ugandan’s stunning recent form, which last month saw him lower Kenenisa Bekele’s 5000m world record in Monaco. In Valencia, Joshua will be targeting the 26:17.53 set by Bekele in Brussels 15 years ago – the longest standing men’s 10,000m world record in history.

To date no athlete other than Kenenisa Bekele has come within five seconds of this time but following Cheptegei’s two-second improvement of the Ethiopian’s 5000m world record the Ugandan will be confident he can mount a strong challenge in Valencia City of Running.

His personal best for the distance is 26:48.36. He will be utilising world-class pacemaking support as well as the innovative Wavelight technology. Following his world record bid Cheptegei plans to make his half marathon debut at the rescheduled World Half Marathon Championships in Poland on 17 October.

The race organisers are in close contact with the local government in order to follow all the local and regional Covid-19 measurements to ensure the full safety of all those involved.