The TEN 10K Poised for a Lightning-Fast Showdown

The TEN 10K Poised for a Lightning-Fast Showdown

For four years, Sound Running’s ‘The TEN’ has been the gold standard for 10K racing. Fast fields, ideal Southern California weather, and cutting-edge pacing lights have created the perfect setting for big performances.

Each year, top runners from around the world travel to San Juan Capistrano to chase Personal Bests, Olympic standards, and National Records. As the event prepares for its fifth edition, all signs point to 2025 being the fastest year yet.

The Women’s Race Could Break Records

This year’s field is deep, with experienced veterans and rising stars looking to make history. Ethiopia’s Lemlem Hailu is the headliner. She is one of only 20 women to ever run under 30 minutes, and she enters this race in top shape after a big half-marathon personal best.

She won’t be alone at the front. Elise Cranny, Lauren Ryan, Weini Kelati, and Dom Scott have all broken 31 minutes, and they did it right here at past editions of ‘The TEN.’ They know the track, the pace, and what it takes to run fast under the lights.

A few wild cards could shake things up. Olympian Courtney Wayment, best known for her steeplechase success, is stepping up in distance. Her teammate Ella Donaghu, who has never raced beyond 5000 meters, is making a similar jump. Meanwhile, road specialists Amanda Vestri, Taylor Roe, and Jessica McClain are coming down to 10,000 meters and could be surprises in a field stacked with track specialists.

With so much talent on the start list, only a handful of women will truly be in contention when the final laps arrive. But one thing is clear—this field is built for speed.

The Men’s Race Has No Clear Favorite

On the men’s side, the front of the race will be led by two of the world’s best. South Africa’s Adrian Wildschuut (26:50) and Eritrea’s Habtom Samuel (26:53) are the only runners in the field with sub-27-minute credentials. But right behind them is a deep group of contenders.

Seven men in the race have run under 27:25, and another nine have 5000-meter bests under 13:10. Ethiopia’s Telahun Haile Bekele, the ninth-fastest 5000-meter runner in history, will make his 10,000-meter debut. If his speed translates to the longer distance, he could be a real threat.

A strong American group is also in the mix. Anthony Rotich (27:08), Sean McGorty (27:18), Drew Hunter (27:38), and Dillon Maggard (27:37) are all ready to take on the best in the world. Patrick Dever and Charles Hicks from Great Britain, along with Australia’s Morgan McDonald, add to the international depth.

One runner to watch is Romain Legendere, a college star from Adams State. He has never raced this distance but recently ran 13:02 for 5000 meters in Boston. If he handles the jump well, he could have a breakout performance.

Why ‘The TEN’ Delivers Every Year

This event has become a must-watch for track fans. It’s fast. It’s competitive. And it brings the best in the world together on a track that has seen some of the biggest performances in recent memory.

The conditions in Southern California rarely disappoint. The pacing is set up for success. And in a year when runners are looking to hit Olympic qualifying times, every lap will matter.

Records could fall. Olympic dreams could be made. And another chapter in ‘The TEN’s’ growing history will be written. Get ready for a night of incredible racing.

To learn more about The 10k, presented by HOKA, please just click here. FloTrack will be providing live streaming video on the meet, and RunBlogRun will provide almost live social media on FB, X and IG. Watch for our post event story as well.