Olympic steeplechase champion Peruth Chemutai set a new course and a national record as she delivered a remarkable performance on the streets of Berlin, winning the women’s race at the Berliner Morgenpost Great 10K in 29 minutes and 57 seconds.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic gold medalist in the 3,000 metres steeplechase produced a historic run, taking 40 seconds off the previous course record set 13 years ago by Kenya’s Joyce Chepkirui. Her time also established a new Ugandan national record, marking another milestone in the country’s growing reputation in international distance running.
Chemutai targets sub-29-minute finish in 2027
Chemutai said she was delighted to combine victory with both a course record and a national record, admitting that the scale of her achievement exceeded her expectations.
“I feel good right now. I knew beforehand that I could run fast here today. But setting the course record and a national record for Uganda makes me incredibly happy. I did not expect that,” she said.
The Ugandan star also praised the spectators who lined the route, promising to return for the 2027 edition with an even more ambitious target.
“The crowd along the course is wonderful. I will be back in 2027, and then I want to run under 29 minutes here,” Chemutai added.
Her performance underlined her ability to excel beyond the steeplechase, bringing her Olympic pedigree to one of Berlin’s major road-running events.
Berlin streets provide a spectacular running stage
The race route offered participants a memorable journey through some of the German capital’s best-known landmarks. Starting at Charlottenburg Palace, runners made their way towards the Victory Column, passed through Berlin Zoo and returned along the course.
The event continues to combine elite international competition with mass participation, attracting professional athletes and recreational runners alike.
Race director Martin Seeber described Chemutai’s record-breaking performance as the standout moment of the event, while also praising the achievements of German athletes and the enthusiasm of the thousands who took part.
“The Berliner Morgenpost Great 10K has once again shown just how fascinating road running can be. Peruth Chemutai’s course record and national record are the absolute highlights,” Seeber said.
In the men’s race, Eritrea’s Yobiel Welderufael claimed victory in 27:59, capping a day of high-level competition that brought together around 7,000 runners.
Germany’s leading performers were Alina Reh of SSV Ulm 1846, who finished as the fastest German woman in 32:07, and Kurt Lauer of VfL Sindelfingen, the fastest German man in 29:09.
Over 7,000 runners took to the streets where international stars, German champions and ambitious amateur athletes were chasing personal bests on one of Germany’s fastest city-running courses.
The above sports article was written by Thomas Muruka
Email: muruka30@gmail.com
Based in Toronto, Canada
