Double Olympic gold medalist Beatrice Chebet will headline a stellar 5km elite field at the 2023 Cursa dels Nassos, set to take place on December 31 in Barcelona.
Chebet is returning to defend her title and attempt to break her own women-only world record of 14:13 minutes, which she set at last year’s event. The 24-year-old’s record shattered the previous mark of 14:29, held by Ethiopia’s Senbere Teferi since 2021. Remarkably, Chebet’s time was also faster than the mixed-race world record of 14:19, set by Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye in 2021.
As she heads to Barcelona, Chebet aims to close her spectacular season on a high note. However, she faces stiff competition from Ethiopian talents Medina Eisa, the reigning World U20 5000m champion, and Melknat Wudu, an African Games bronze medalist.
In last year’s race, Eisa set a blistering early pace, leading the pack through 3 kilometers in 8:40. However, Chebet’s tactical mastery saw her take control at the 3K mark, finishing with a commanding burst to claim victory.
On the men’s side, Olympian Thierry Ndikumwenayo, who holds the Spanish 5K record of 13:17, will spearhead the elite field. Ndikumwenayo will be aiming to better his record, though the men’s world record of 12:49, set by Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi in 2021, remains a lofty target.
This year’s event will feature approximately 60 elite athletes from 20 countries, competing in what is set to be a thrilling mixed 5-kilometer race. Organizers anticipate another year of fast times, with the race promising a spectacle for athletics fans worldwide.
