Andreas Almgren seems to be enjoying himself very much in Valencia. In 2024, he started the season there and set a Swedish record - by half a minute.
An impressive start to the season that just got better and better.
2025 started in a similar way, at the same place. With a time of 26:53, he improved his Swedish record and also set a European record - which also meant that he became the first European to run 10,000 meters under 27 minutes.
“Everything was perfect”
The season then culminated for Almgren with a World Championship bronze in the 10,000 meters in Tokyo. Sweden's first long-distance medal ever.
Now it was time again to start the season in Valencia for the Swede, and he did so with flying colours.
The 30-year-old ran the road race in Spain in 26:43 minutes - which is an improvement of his own European record by 10 seconds.
With just over a kilometer to go, Almgren picked up speed and left Ethiopian Khairi Bejiga behind him. The Swede then ran into the finish line with a clear advantage.
This is my second hometown. I never have a bad race here, so it's always so fun to come here, says Almgren in the victory interview, and continues:
It's really the best conditions I've had here; everything was perfect.
Fifth of all time
For a long time it looked as if Almgren would also break the world record of 26:24, but the runner from Sollentuna will still have to wait for that record. He does not think so either.
I said before that a personal best of 10 seconds is acceptable. I feel like I have very fast times in me. But I am very happy with the race today, says Almgren.
The new record time is the fifth fastest ever for 10,000 meters.
