On January 11, 2026, Valencia once again broke records. The 10K Valencia Ibercaja by Kiprun proved why it is considered the fastest 10-kilometer race in the world: more than 14,000 runners crossed the finish line, and two European records and 18 national records were set in a single morning.
The fastest 10 km race on the planet
With both the start and finish on the avenue of the City of Arts and Sciences, the Valencian race offered perfect conditions: a flat course, cool temperatures, and a festive atmosphere. According to the organizers, 14,134 participants completed the course, and 233 of them finished under 30 minutes. These figures, along with 1,189 athletes under 35 minutes and 2,524 under 40 minutes, confirm that the Valencian layout is a true magnet for personal-best seekers.
A clash of titans in the men’s race
Swede Andreas Almgren, world bronze medalist in the 10,000 m, not only defended his 2025 title but also lowered his own European record. After passing the 5 km mark in 13:29 alongside Ethiopian Khairi Bejiga and Kenyan Victor Kipruto, Almgren took control in the second half. With one kilometer to go, he found another gear and stopped the clock at 26:45, eight seconds faster than his previous continental best. Bejiga finished in 26:52, and Kipruto completed the podium in 27:18.
In addition to the European record, the men’s race produced 13 national records. Spain’s Saïd Mechaal crossed the line in 27:25, improving the Spanish record. New national bests were also set by Mohamed Abdilaahi (Germany, 27:22), Magnus Tuv Myhre (Norway, 27:22), José Carlos Pinto (Portugal, 27:37), Efrem Gidey (Ireland, 27:38), and Dutch runner Mike Foppen (27:39), among others.
Brenda Jepchirchir and Eilish McColgan shine in the women’s race
Kenyan Brenda Jepchirchir, just 20 years old, set a blistering pace from the start and passed 5 km in 14:32. Although Ethiopian Likina Amebaw stayed within a few seconds, Jepchirchir held on to take the win in 29:25, the fastest time in Valencia since Agnes Jebet’s world record (28:46) in 2024. Amebaw was second in 29:30, and Kenyan Clare Chemtai Ndwia finished third in 29:50.
Britain’s Eilish McColgan delivered another comeback story. After several injuries and knee surgery, the British record holder returned to top form with 30:08, breaking the European 10 km record just one week after Jana Van Lent had set it at 30:10. McColgan said she feels “stronger than ever” and that Valencia is the ideal stage to rebuild confidence.
A festival of records
- Two European records: Andreas Almgren (26:45) and Eilish McColgan (30:08).
- 13 men’s national records, including those of Spain, Germany, Norway, Portugal, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
- 5 women’s national records: Great Britain (McColgan), Portugal (Mariana Machado, 30:58), Czech Republic (Tereza Hrochová, 31:05), Poland (Elżbieta Glinka, 31:47), and Puerto Rico (Alondra Negrón Texidor, 32:39).
- 233 runners under 30 minutes and more than 14,000 finishers in total.
What makes the Valencia 10K so fast?
The combination of a flat course, staggered starts to avoid congestion, and ideal weather conditions leads thousands of runners to travel to Valencia in search of their personal best. The high level of elite competition, street-side support, and meticulous organization turn the race into a true running festival.
If you’re thinking about racing this event or any other fast 10K, here are some training tips:
- Prioritize threshold speed. Include 1–2 km intervals at race pace with short recoveries to improve fatigue resistance.
- Work on strength. Squats, lunges, and core exercises will reinforce your stride and make you more efficient.
- Don’t neglect rest. Alternate demanding sessions with easy runs and use tools like SnapRace to monitor your training load.
- Simulate race pace. Perform 8–10 km workouts at your target pace a few weeks before race day.
- Plan your nutrition. Although a 10K doesn’t require mid-race fueling, arrive well hydrated and eat breakfast at least two hours beforehand.
Train and analyze your progress with SnapRace
The SnapRace app lets you design personalized plans, track your paces in real time, and analyze your running form thanks to its technique analysis feature. You can also compare your performance with other runners and join virtual challenges to stay motivated. If you want to prepare for the Valencia 10K or any other race, SnapRace is your ideal companion.
For more inspiration on races in Spain, check out our guide to the Seville Marathon 2026, where you’ll find registration tips and training strategies that also apply to a 10K.
Are you ready to chase your record in Valencia? Register early and start preparing in advance. With the right combination of training, rest, and the help of SnapRace, the next record to fall could be yours.