Bejiga, Jepchirchir Lead Star-Studded tRUNsylvania 10K Fields

Ethiopia’s Khairi Bejiga and Kenya’s Brenda Jepchirchir will return to Brasov on Sunday as the headline names in a strong elite field for the 2026 tRUNsylvania 10K.

Bejiga, 20, returns as defending champion after winning last year’s race in 26:54, the second-fastest time ever recorded on the three-lap course.

The Ethiopian has gone even faster in 2026, improving his personal best to 26:51. He clocked the time when finishing second in Valencia in January before matching it to win in Lille, France, in April.

Jepchirchir also returns with a rapidly growing reputation. The 21-year-old Kenyan came to Brasov last year as a pacemaker but finished eighth before making a major breakthrough by winning the Valencia 10K in January in 29:25.

That performance remains the second-fastest 10km time in the world this year.

Jepchirchir has since backed up her Valencia triumph with three more outstanding performances, including a victory in South Africa and runner-up finishes in major international races in India and South Africa.

Both Bejiga and Jepchirchir will have the course records in their sights on Sunday.

Kenya’s Nicolas Kipkorir Kimeli holds the men’s record of 26:51, set in 2022, while compatriot Sheila Chepkirui owns the women’s record of 30:07 from the same year.

Strong men’s field

Bejiga will face a quality field headed by Kenya’s Silas Senchura, who has a 10km best of 26:58, and Laban Kosgei, whose personal best is 26:59.

Other leading contenders include Uganda’s Kenneth Kiprop (27:06), Kenya’s Amos Bett (27:11), Kevin Chesang (27:17.80 on the track), Elisha Kiprop (27:33) and Ethiopia’s Ayele Tadesse (27:40).

Djibouti’s Hani Idriss Hersi, Spain’s Juan Antonio Perez, Japan’s Ryo Goda, Kenya’s Victor Okoth and Australia’s Edward Marks complete the leading group.

Race director Daniel Santa has also added Bett to the field. The Kenyan ran a 59:53 half marathon in Barcelona earlier this year.

South Africa’s Maxime Chaumeton, who pushed Bejiga hard before finishing second in last year’s race, is a late withdrawal after citing a lack of race fitness.

Jepchirchir faces strong opposition

Jepchirchir will also have plenty of competition in the women’s race.

Kenya’s Nelvin Jepkemboi has a 29:45 personal best, while Ethiopia’s Aynadis Mebratu has run 30:05.

Eritrea’s Rahel Daniel has a 30:12.15 track best, while Ethiopia’s Axumawit Embaye has a 30:22 10km best.

Other notable names include Djibouti’s Samia Hassan Nour (30:40), Burundi’s Francine Niyomukunzi (30:42), Romania’s Joan Chelimo Melly (30:52), France’s Mekdes Woldu (30:56) and Ethiopia’s Yenenesh Shimket (30:59).

Germany’s 2022 European 5000m champion Konstanze Klosterhalfen, however, will not compete after twisting an ankle earlier this week.