Faith Kipyegon claims Monaco 10K race victory in road debut

Faith Kipyegon announced her arrival in long-distance racing in emphatic fashion on Sunday, February 15, 2026, powering to victory in the Monaco Run Gramaglia 10 kilometres (K), her first competitive race over the distance.

The Kenyan star crossed the finish line in a commanding 29:47, proving her dominance is not confined to the track.

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From the start, Kipyegon ran with confidence, taking the lead at the 5K mark in 14:59, briefly dropping back around 7.5K, then surging again to finish strongly ahead of a high-quality field.

Faith reacts

After the race, Kipyegon shared on Instagram that she was grateful for her 29:47 10K debut and described the morning as beautiful.

She expressed excitement for future races, thanked the Monaco Run organisers, and appreciated all the support she received from fans.

“What a beautiful morning! ☺️🌅 Grateful for my 29:47 10k debut on the roads and already looking forward to more. Thanks a lot to @monacorun for the organisation and to everyone for the support! 💜” she wrote.

The Monaco Run Gramaglia attracts elite runners from across Africa and Europe, drawn by its scenic, fast course along the principality’s streets.

It is a key early-season test for top athletes. Kipyegon’s performance stood out as she controlled the race with tactical maturity, leading when needed, responding to challenges, and pushing the pace at crucial moments.

Track to long-distance excellence

At 31, Kipyegon is already celebrated as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of her generation. She holds multiple Olympic and world titles in the 1,500m and 5,000m, and her 2025 season was historic.

She captured a fourth world title in the 1,500m at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, a record no other woman has achieved.

She also broke her own 1,500m world record at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, clocking 3:48.68, further cementing her place among the sport’s elite.

Her move to long-distance racing had been widely anticipated, and her Monaco debut confirmed she can translate her speed and tactical skill to longer events with ease.

For Kenya, a nation with a rich legacy in distance running, Kipyegon’s triumph adds another milestone. Sunday’s race was her first competitive outing of 2026, and her dominant performance sets the stage for the long-distance season ahead.