Ethiopia sweeps podium as historic records fall at the 2026 tRUNsylvania International 10K in Brașov

The flat, lightning-fast streets of Brașov, Romania lived up to their reputation as a global hotspot for road running records on Sunday, October 4, 2026. Against the spectacular backdrop of the Carpathian Mountains, the sixth edition of the tRUNsylvania International 10K—the premier flagship event of the annual Brașov Running Festival—witnessed an extraordinary display of elite long-distance running.

The elite women’s division delivered high-stakes tactical chess, breathtaking speed, and rewritten record books. When the dust settled on the World Athletics Elite Label road course, a powerful Ethiopian contingent completely swept the podium, spearheaded by a spectacular tactical masterclass from 20-year-old rising phenom Asefu Abreha.

From the opening gun, the pace was unyielding. A tight pack of elite East African athletes broke away early, taking full advantage of the smooth, low-altitude loop designed specifically for record-breaking performances. As the race entered its crucial closing stages, the battle boiled down to three standout Ethiopian runners matching each other stride-for-stride.

With the finish line in sight, the tactical maneuvering reached its peak. As the third member of the lead pack began to slightly detach, Asefu Abreha launched a fierce acceleration to challenge her remaining compatriot. Abreha then delivered a decisive, final surge with approximately 200 meters left on the home straightway, crossing the line in a scorching 30:16 to claim the prestigious crown.

Her compatriot, Aynadis Mebratu, fought valiantly until the final meters, finishing just three seconds behind to secure the runner-up spot in 30:19. Completing the clean podium sweep for Ethiopia was the remarkably young Yenenesh Shimket, who crossed the line in third place with a phenomenal time of 30:21.

While the battle for the top spot provided plenty of drama, the clock provided history. Third-place finisher Yenenesh Shimket, born in February 2007, officially established a brand-new World Under-20 Best (WU20B) for a 10km road race. Her mark of 30:21 shaved valuable seconds off the previous global standard for juniors, underscoring the incredible depth of young athletic talent emerging from Ethiopia.

The record-breaking trend extended well beyond the podium finishers. Running a stellar, isolated tactical race just behind the leading trio, Djibouti’s Samiya Hassan Nour delivered an exceptional performance. Hassan Nour stopped the clock at 30:37 to finish fourth overall, a time that officially stands as a new Djibouti National Record.

Rounding out the top five was South African distance-running sensation Tayla Kavanagh. Kavanagh navigated the high-speed course beautifully, chopping a staggering 36 seconds off her previous personal best to cross the line in 30:50. Her performance successfully rewrote the history books by smashing the South African 10km road record (subject to official ratification).

Final Standings at the women’s tRUNsylvania International 10K Brasov
1. Asefu Abreha (Ethiopia) – 30:16 min
2. Aynadis Mebratu (Ethiopia) – 30:19 min
3. Yenenesh Shimket (Ethiopia) – 30:21 min (New World U20 Best)
4. Samiya Hassan Nour (Djibouti) – 30:37 min (New Djibouti National Record)
5. Tayla Kavanagh (South Africa) – 30:50 min (New South African Record)
6. Nelvin Jepkemboi (Kenya) – 30:57 min
7. Mastewal Mehabaw (Ethiopia) – 30:59 min
8. Axumawit Embaye (Ethiopia) – 31:05 min
9. Tibeb Enyew (Ethiopia) – 31:29 min
10. Joan Chelimo Melly (Romania) – 31:46 min

The breathtaking times recorded on October 4 solidify the Brașov Running Festival’s standing as one of the fastest road racing events in the world. Holding a prestigious World Athletics Elite Label, the tRUNsylvania International 10K routinely draws elite distance runners looking to cement their names in the global rankings.

Combined with Khairi Bejiga’s historic back-to-back victory in the men’s elite division at 27:01, the 2026 edition of the event proved to be an absolute triumph for Ethiopian distance running and a celebration of athletic excellence on the European stage.