The 10K run is a long-distance road running competition over a distance of ten kilometres. Also referred to as the 10K road race, 10 km, or simply 10K, it is one of the most common types of road running event, alongside the shorter 5K and longer half marathon and marathon. It is usually distinguished from the 10,000 metres track running event by stating the distance in kilometres, rather than metres.
The 5K run is a long-distance road running competition over a distance of five kilometres (3.107 mi). Also referred to as the 5K road race, 5 km, or simply 5K, it is the shortest of the most common road running distances. It is usually distinguished from the 5000 metres track running event by stating the distance in kilometres, rather than metres.
Rhonex Kipruto is a Kenyan long-distance runner. Kipruto won the bronze medal in the 10,000 metres at the 2019 World Athletics Championships and was the world record holder for the 10 km road race, until he was stripped of both titles in June 2024 due to “a deliberate and sophisticated doping regime”. Prior to his result being annulled, Kipruto placed third on the half marathon world all-time list.
The following table shows the progression of world bests and world records in the 5K run, as recognised by the IAAF. The 5K run is a new event, having been introduced as a world record event in 2017.
Tsehay Gemechu is an Ethiopian long-distance runner. She finished fourth in the 5000 metres at the 2019 World Athletics Championships. Gemechu won the 10,000 metres at the 2019 African Games. She placed second at the 2023 Tokyo Marathon.
Yalemzerf Yehualaw Densa is an Ethiopian long-distance runner. She won the 2022 London Marathon. Yehualaw is the current world record holder in the 10 kilometres road race, sits second on the world all-time list at the half marathon and tenth on the respective world all-time list for the marathon.
The following tables show the progression of world bests and world records in the 10K run, as recognised by the IAAF. The 10K run was introduced as a part of world record events in 2003.
Agnes Jebet Ngetich is a Kenyan long-distance runner. She won two medals at the 2023 World Cross Country Championships with bronze in the senior women's race and team gold. In January 2024, with a time of 28:46, she set the 10 km run world record in Valencia, breaking the previous record by 28 seconds. En route to this time, Ngetich also broke the 5 km run world record, splitting 14:13 at 5 km which was 6 seconds faster than the previous world record. Ngetich also holds the second fastest half marathon mark in history, at 1 hour 3 minutes and 4 seconds.
The Castellón Marathon is an annual road-based marathon hosted by Castellón de la Plana, Spain, since 2010. The marathon is a World Athletics Label Road Race.
Janeth Chepngetich is a Kenyan long-distance runner. She won the 10,000 metres race at the 2023 African Games.
The 10K Valencia is an annual road-based 10K run hosted by Valencia, Spain, since 2009. The marathon is a World Athletics Label Road Race and a member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. A 5K race is also held on the same day.
Emmaculate Anyango Achol is a Kenyan cross country runner. She is currently serving a six year ban for a doping violation.
Joy Cheptoyek is an Ugandan long distance and cross country runner.
Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) (26:48)
Agnes Jebet Ngetich (KEN) (28:46)
