Kipyegon, who is the world record holder for the 1500 metres and the mile, and she is the former world record holder for the 5000 metres, clocked 29:46 to sit joint 14th on the world all-time list for the road 10km – her farthest race so far.
The 32-year-old, the only three-time Olympic champion in the 1500 metres, having won a gold medal each at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro, 2020 Tokyo, and the 2024 Paris Olympics, passed the 5km mark in 14:59.
Kipyegon was running alongside Benard Soi and Yonah Mateiko, but despite the challenge, she maintained pace over the next few kilometres before speeding up to win in 29:46.
Kipyegon looking forward to more
The triumphant debut saw Kipyegon take to social media pages, where she said she was looking forward to more road races.
“What a beautiful morning!” Kipyegon wrote on social media. “Grateful for my 29:47 10k debut on the roads and already looking forward to more.”
Ahead of the Monaco race, Kipyegon had revealed her desire to shift to road running, adding she would target doing more than 5km on the roads.
"I just enjoy coming to Monaco," said Kipyegon. “It’s a very special place where I usually enjoy running track and now, I am here on a different mission, to run on the road.
“This is another challenge – to do more than 5km on the roads.”
National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) official Barnaba Korir termed Kipyegon’s latest success as an outstanding performance, which demonstrated her enduring excellence across the disciplines.
“This outstanding show not only demonstrates her exceptional versatility but reinforces her enduring excellence across disciplines. It is a remarkable milestone and a powerful inspiration to aspiring athletes around the world,” said Korir.
What did Kenyans say?
Following Kipyegon’s latest success, Kenyans took to social media to praise their own with many of them saying she will break the 10km road race record soon.
“Under 30minutes on your debut, that is a huge achievement. More glory is coming your way if you are free of injuries,” said Solly Beyi, while Lian Buys wrote: “Congrats so proud u r a real inspiration to all of us keep up the good work.”
Ruth Andesia posed a question: “Is faith a human being?” while Shemeji Samson wrote: “Great result, you will break the 10km record soon. We have faith in you.”
Margaret NB wrote: “I have no doubt Kipyegon will one day shatter the marathon record. She can do it all,” while George Kiriongi Gee said: “Hail the Greatness, Faith Kipyegon congratulations on the transition and wonderful time 29.47 for 10k.”
Kipyegon won a gold medal in the 1500 meters at the 2017, 2022, 2023 and 2025 World Championships and in the 5000 metres at the 2023 World Championships.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Kipyegon became the first athlete ever to win three consecutive gold medals in the 1500m women’s race, where she also set a new Olympic record.
In addition to the 1500m, Kipyegon had previously earned a silver medal in the women's 5000m, after successfully appealing a disqualification.
Kipyegon trains in Kaptagat (and Kapsabet) and has been coached since the end of 2017 by Patrick Sang, triple global 3000m steeplechase silver medallist, who is also coaching marathon world record-holder Eliud Kipchoge.
