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Agnes Ng’etch produced a standout performance as she broke the world 10 kilometres record in astonishing fashion in Valencia on Sunday, January 14, 2024.

The youngster emerged as the winner after crossing the finishing line in 28:46, meaning she shaved off 28 seconds from the standing record before today’s race.

Consequently, Ng’etich became the first woman to break 29 minutes for the distance, as she improved the world record set by Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw in Castellon two years ago.

Ng’etich, who had the company of Judith Kosgei, was sure of recording a new high bar as she went through the 5km mark in 14:13. This was six seconds faster than the women’s world record achieved in a mixed race, set by Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye in Barcelona in 2021.

Ng’etich’s record at that point also matched the time Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet set in a woman-only race in Barcelona two weeks ago.

On another positive note, Ngetich’s 10km time is also faster than the women’s world record for the distance on the track, with Letesenbet Gidey’s world 10,000m record standing at 29:01.03, according to World Athletics.

It was a better day in the office for Kenya, as Emmaculate Anyango also dipped under 29 minutes. She timed 28:57 to finish runner-up to her compatriot, the record breaker.

Surprised

After managing the record-breaking run, Ng’etich said she was surprised because her plan was to improve her personal best.

“I am so happy. I didn’t expect this world record. I was coming to improve my time, at least somewhere around 29:14, but I am happy that I ran a world record of 28 minutes. I didn’t expect this,” Ng’etich said, as quoted by World Athletics.

Her focus will now be the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, in March and then the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.