Yomif Kejelcha Clocks a Historic 10K (Awaiting World Record Confirmation)

February 20, 2025
By Matteo

Yomif Kejelcha made history at the 10K FACSA Castellón, crossing the finish line in an astonishing 26:40.

On February 16, the city of Castellón became the focal point of the athletic world, hosting the 15th edition of the bp Castellón Marathon and the 12th edition of the 10K FACSA Castellón.

This event has gained significant recognition in the national athletics calendar, drawing thousands of runners eager to test their limits and experience one of the fastest courses in Spain.

This year’s 10K FACSA Castellón saw a surge in participation, reinforcing its status as a premier road race.

Many runners choose this event not only to chase personal bests but also to immerse themselves in an elite-level experience on a course renowned for its speed and efficiency.

Despite fierce competition, the race maintains its reputation as a go-to event for those seeking record-breaking performances.

The highlight of the weekend was Ethiopian athlete Yomif Kejelcha’s breathtaking run.

Image via Andreu Esteban

Why Is No One Talking About Kejelcha’s Possible 10K World Record?

Yomif Kejelcha delivered a phenomenal performance, running the 10k in 26:40, at an astonishing average pace of 2:40 per kilometer. However, he narrowly missed surpassing Rhonex Kipruto’s 26:24 record.

The twist?

Kipruto has been handed a seven-year ban for doping, with all his results since May 2018 nullified—including his record-setting run in Valencia 2020, which is now invalid.

So why hasn’t Kejelcha’s time been officially recognized as the new world record? It appears that an official confirmation is still pending, as the final decision rests with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Until then, the running world waits to see if Kejelcha’s performance will be etched in the

Castellón is rapidly establishing itself as a record-setting city, with its course certified and validated under World Athletics’ Road Race Label.

This recognition underscores the city’s commitment to top-tier road racing and its growing influence in the international running community.

The 10K FACSA Castellón continues to attract runners of all levels, offering an opportunity to compete at a high standard while enjoying a race environment that exceeds expectations.

With each passing year, the event strengthens its position as a pivotal moment in the road racing season, solidifying Castellón as a must-visit destination for competitive runners worldwide.

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