Why world 10km record holder Agnes Jebet prefers running against male athletes

World 10km record holder Agnes Jebet has revealed the unique reason why she loves training and racing against male athletes.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Maurten, the Kenyan noted that she is a strong athlete and most of the time, it’s hard to find women who can match her energy levels. The 23-year-old added that some men also find it difficult to compete against her during training with some always begging her to reduce the pace.

“I can say, I’m a fighter. It’s hard to find strong women who can go with me, so I train with the guys. I like to try and go with their speed,” Jebet said.

Maurten also observed some men struggling and were unable to match her prowess during training. “You saw them…behind me, asking to reduce the pace. Running is like food for me — you don’t miss food, I don’t miss running,” Jebet added.

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Meanwhile, Jebet has managed to maintain her status as one of the greatest road runners, being crowned the world record holder in the 10km road race, at her young age.

During the 2023 Transylvania 10km, Jebet set a new World Record but her result was not recognised after World Athletics re-measured the course and found it to be 25 metres short. She officially became the first woman to run under 29 minutes for 10,000 metres — ratified, at the race in Valencia earlier this year.

Podiums and victories have been her portion, but this season, after her world record and threatening the late Agnes Tirop’s women-only world record, she has not been in her greatest shape.

However, she remains strong despite the hurdles and she has managed to always brush off moments of disappointment.

"I fought for this record. When the course was short, maybe I was not ready for it. When the weather is bad, I understand. I had to make my mind strong and not let it discourage me," she added.

"Patience and discipline... you train hard and then you go and win easy. Let it be painful today and then the fruits come next week."