Tirop sets 10km world record as Kenyans shine

July 30, 2021. Yasemin Can of Turkey and Agnes Jebet Tirop of Kenya in action REUTERS

World 10,000m bronze medallist Agnes Jebet Tirop yesterday cruised to a stunning 10km women-only world record finish at the Road to Records in Germany.

Tirop chipped 28 seconds off the women-only 10km world record after cutting the tape in 30:01 in a race that had a strong field.

The outright women’s 10km world record is held by Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei, who set it at the Birell Prague Grand Prix in 2017.

It was also a clean podium sweep for Kenyan road racers in the competition held at the Adidas headquarters in Herzogenaurach.

Former 5000m African champion Sheila Chepkirui and Family Bank half marathon champion Nancy Jelagat took the second and third positions in 30:17 and 30:50.

In a pure display of class, 25-year-old Tirop passed the 9km mark in 27:07, a world record pace covering the remaining kilometre in a 2:54 stellar sprint.

Tirop and Chepkirui broke away from the leading pack, which also comprised compatriot Jelagat, just before the 5km mark. Tirop then outran Chipkirui at the 6km as she kept a strong momentum to the finish.

“I am so happy to break the world record. The pace was tough but I felt my body was responding well,” Tirop said.