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Faith Kipyegon wins her first 10km road race in Monaco
Kenya's Faith Kipyegon celebrates after winning the World Athletics Championships women's 1,500m final at Japan National Stadium, Tokyo, on September 16, 2025.
Multiple Olympics and world champion, Faith Kipyegon of Kenya, on Sunday got her career in road running to the best possible start, winning her first 10km race in the French Principality of Monaco.
The 32-year-old finished the race in 29 minutes and 47 seconds, ahead of Italian runner Mattia Gugliemi, who came second in 32:32.
Afterwards, Kipyegon took to social media to celebrate her latest success.
“What a beautiful morning! Grateful for my 29:47 10km debut on the roads and already looking forward to more. Thanks a lot to Monaco Run for the organisation and to everyone for the support,” Kipyegon wrote on Facebook.
Kipyegon’s winning time is the third fastest this season. Kenya’s Brenda Jepchirchir has the fastest time over the distance this season, having registered 29:25 at the Valencia 10 km road race in Spain on January 11 this year.
Ethiopian runner, Likinah Ameba, has the second fastest time this season over the distance of 29:29, which she registered on January 11 as she finished second behind Jepchirchir in Valencia 10km road race.
Kipyegon, who has won multiple Olympics and world titles in middle distance races of 1500m and 5,00m, becomes the 12th fastest athlete all time in the 10km road race.
Her compatriot Agnes Jebet Ng’etich is the fastest athlete of all time over the distance with a time of 28:46, which she registered while winning Valencia 10km road in Spain on January 14, 2024, in a world record.
On Sunday, Kipyegon started the race and maintained a blistering pace, putting her within reach of the world record, but she fell, slowing her down.
Nevertheless, she still managed to complete the race in under 30 minutes, earning her a place among the 12 fastest athletes of all time in the 10 km road race.
This performance marks a significant step for the athlete, who has competed in track and cross-country events throughout her career.
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