Japan based, Hellen Ekalale beat a strong field in the women’s race at the 17th edition of the 10K Valencia Ibercaja, on Sunday (12) in Valencia, Spain.
the 26 year-old who played a rabbit to the race favorite and fastest athlete in the field Fotyen Tesfay from Ethiopia and her compatriot, the 2018 World U20 5000m bronze medallist, Girmawit Gebrzihair.
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The 26 year-old who runs locally for Nairobi Region, took the honors in 29:30 and was followed in second place by the race favorite, Tesfay in a new personal best of 29:34 with Gebrzihair sealing the podium also in a new personal best of 29:42.
“The weather patterns were windy but I trusted my training and am happy for the win,” said elated Ekalale.
The race course record of 28:46 set by Agnes Jebet Ngetich from Kenya. This time is also the World 10km Record.
LEADING RESULTS
10KM WOMEN
- Hellen Ekalale (KEN)
- Girmawit Gebrzihair (ETH) 29:34
- Fotyen Tesfay (ETH) 29:42