Barcelona’s Cursa dels Nassos: A Stage for World-Class Athletes
The Cursa dels Nassos, a prestigious 5km race in Barcelona, is set to take place on December 31. Following a remarkable 2023, where the women’s world record and men’s European record were broken, the event promises to be an exciting competition. The Cursa dels Nassos has been recognized as the best 5km race in the world by World Athletics.
Beatrice Chebet: Aiming to Improve Her Record
Kenyan athlete Beatrice Chebet will be the center of attention at the event. Chebet, who holds the women’s world record, aims to improve her own record. Her impressive performance in 2024 includes winning the World Cross Country Championship, becoming the first woman to go under 29 minutes in 10,000 meters, and winning the 5000-10,000 double at the Paris Olympics.
Chebet will face stiff competition from Ethiopian athletes Medina Eisa and Melknat Wudu. Eisa is the current world under-20 5000 meters champion, while Wudu holds the under-20 world record in 3000 meters.
Spanish Athletes to Watch
Esther Guerrero will be the main Spanish contender, aiming to improve her personal best of 15:45. Guerrero will face other top European athletes, including Frenchwoman Agathe Guillemot and Belgian Jana van Lent.
Men’s Event: A New Favorite Emerges
Thierry Ndikumwenayo’s last-minute withdrawal due to injury has changed the dynamics of the men’s event. Matthew Kipkoech, the world U20 bronze medalist, is now the favorite. Kipkoech will face a tough challenge from Norwegian Magnus Tuv Mihre, who has a personal best of 13:09.44 in 5000 meters.
Spanish athletes Abdessamad Oukhelfen, Said Mechaal, Eduardo Menacho, and Àdam Maijó will also participate in the men’s event, each with their own strengths and ambitions.
The Cursa dels Nassos promises to be an exciting event, with world-class athletes competing for top honors.