MONACO, Monaco — Kenya’s distance queen Faith Kipyegon opened a new chapter in her storied career on Sunday, claiming victory in her first-ever 10km road race at the Monaco Run 10K.
The 32-year-old, born on January 10, 1994, in Keringet, Nakuru County, clocked an impressive 29:47, demonstrating that her dominance on the track could soon extend to road racing.
Married to fellow Olympian Timothy Kiptum, Kipyegon has become both a symbol of Kenyan athletic excellence and an inspiration beyond sport.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of her generation, Kipyegon has amassed a remarkable record on the track.
She is a three-time Olympic 1,500m champion, having won gold at the 2016, 2020, and 2024 Games, making her the first woman to complete a consecutive Olympic hat-trick in the metric mile.
Her success extends to the World Athletics Championships, where she has earned eight medals, including five golds—three in the 1,500m and two in the 5,000m.
At the 2025 edition in Tokyo, she claimed gold in the 1,500m and silver in the 5,000m behind compatriot Beatrice Chebet, solidifying her status as Kenya’s most decorated athlete in World Championships history.
Earlier this season, Kipyegon showcased her track brilliance at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, running a historic 3:48.68 in the 1,500m, the first woman to dip under 3:49.
In June 2025, during a special Nike event, she attempted a sub-four-minute mile, finishing in 4:06.42 after reaction-time adjustment—a testament to her ambition to push boundaries.
Her Monaco 10K triumph hints at a potential expansion into road racing, a move she had subtly teased ahead of the event.
“Always love being in Monaco. Excited for the Monaco Run 10km this Sunday,” Kipyegon shared prior to the race.
Crossing the line first, she expressed gratitude and optimism for her next challenges:
“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!”
Off the track, Kipyegon continues to impact her community. She recently established the Dare to Dream Maternity Hospital in Keringet, Nakuru County, partnering with the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception to improve maternal healthcare access.
With a victorious road debut now on her résumé, the athletics world will be watching to see whether Kipyegon’s next frontier lies beyond the track.
Her success in Monaco signals that the legendary middle-distance runner may soon become a dominant force on the roads.