10000 meters
Rules
Athletes in the 10,000 meters run start with a high start and a common starting position. Usually, at major competitions such as the World Championships, European Championships and the Olympic Games in the 10,000 meters races, the final is held immediately (less often two races are held). This is due to the fact that the distance is very energy-intensive, and it is difficult for participants to run two races, especially in hot weather. The organization of food and water points is often practiced. In a stadium with a 400-meter track, 10,000 meters make up 25 complete laps. When a large number of participants (more than 20) take part in the start, they are divided into two groups that enter the common track after 115 meters.
History
The distance has been included in the Olympic Games program since 1912 for men, and since 1988 for women.
Interesting facts
To achieve results at the level of the men’s world record, an athlete must be able to complete a lap in less than 65-66 seconds (men) and 71-72 seconds (women) on average.
Records
In open stadiums. Men: Kenenisa Bekele 26:17.53 Brussels, Belgium 2005. Women: Wang Junxia 29:31.78 p. Beijing, China 1993
For 10 km. (highway)
Outdoor:
Men: Joshua Cheptegei (Uganda) — 26:11.00 — 07.10.2020 — Valencia, Spain
Women: Beatrice Chebet (Kenya) — 28:54.14 — 25.05.2024 — Eugene, USA
10 km (Road):
Men: Yomif Kejelcha (Ethiopia) — 26:31, Castellón (Spain), 16.02.2025 — ratified by World Athletics on June 1, 2026, following the disqualification of Rhonex Kipruto (previous record of 26:24 was annulled due to doping).
Women: Agnes Jebet Ngetich (Kenya) — 28:46 (women-only race, without male pacemakers), January 2024.
