Ugandan Athletes and National Figures Aim to Break Records at Vilafranca 10K 2026

The participation of Abel Chebet, Eliud Cherop, and Angeline Chelimo grants an unprecedented international dimension to the Alt Penedès race.

Generic image of athletes running a 10K race on a flat urban circuit.
IA

Generic image of athletes running a 10K race on a flat urban circuit.

Ugandan athletes Abel Chebet, Eliud Cherop, and Angeline Chelimo lead the international lineup for the Vilafranca 10K 2026, which aims to break the course records thanks to its fast circuit.

The Vilafranca 10K 2026 will feature a top-level participation roster that could lead to new course records. The international dimension of the race is highlighted by the presence of three Ugandan athletes: Abel Chebet, Eliud Cherop, and Angeline Chelimo. Hailing from a country that is a global reference in long-distance running, the fast and flat profile of the Vilafranca circuit is ideal for them to deploy their full potential and elevate the race pace.
In addition to the African representation, attention will be focused on Nasser Oukhelfen, last year's winner, who arrives in Vilafranca having recently certified the European minimum standard in the half marathon. Alongside him will be Xavier Badia, one of the most solid and consistent Catalan long-distance runners in recent years, who will contribute experience and competitiveness to the event.
The lineup is complemented by other sub-30 athletes such as Jan Badia, Radouane Nour, and Ismail Atriki. Their collective presence seeks to lower the current records. The men's record has been held by Mohamed El-Ghazouany since 2023 (29.18), and the women's record was set by Meritxell Soler in 2024 (33.16).