Running News Daily

On Sunday, February 22, 2026, under radiant Mediterranean skies in Castelló, Spain, the energy was electric as Europe’s finest lined up for the prestigious 10K Facsa Castelló. Known for its lightning-fast layout and flawless organization, the event once again proved why it is regarded as one of the quickest 10K circuits in the world. What unfolded was more than a race — it was a defining chapter in European distance running.

France’s Yann Schrub delivered a performance of rare brilliance, storming to 26:43 to become the fastest European man ever over 10 kilometers on the roads. In doing so, he erased the previous continental record of 26:45 set earlier this year by Sweden’s Andreas Almgren in Valencia. The significance of Schrub’s run extends beyond the two-second improvement — he demolished the long-standing psychological barrier of 27 minutes, redefining what European athletes can now believe is possible.

Composed in the early stages and relentlessly precise over the closing kilometers, Schrub executed his race with tactical maturity and fearless ambition. His record crowns a remarkable spell of form, coming just weeks after his national indoor 3000m record of 7:29.38 in Metz. Two national records in rapid succession, followed by a European record on the roads, confirm that the Frenchman is operating at an exceptional level.

The women’s race brought equal drama and historic significance.

Great Britain’s Megan Keith surged to 30:07, slicing one second off the previous European record of 30:08 set last month by compatriot Eilish McColgan in Valencia. Keith finished fourth overall in a fiercely competitive field, her record forged through bold pacing and uncompromising intensity, while McColgan placed sixth in 30:35 — highlighting the extraordinary depth within British women’s distance running.

Keith’s run was not just about the stopwatch — it was a statement of courage, precision, and ambition, finished in fourth place overall against a field brimming with world-class talent. With every stride, she demonstrated that the ceiling in women’s distance running is no longer fixed, that European women are stepping onto a stage where every second is a declaration, and every finish line is a new possibility. Her performance, daring and decisive, ensured that Castelló would be remembered not only as the stage of record-breaking speed for men but as a triumphant milestone for women who continue to redefine the sport.

As the final finishers crossed the line and the Mediterranean breeze drifted through Castelló’s streets, it became clear that February 22, 2026 would stand as a landmark date. Records were not merely broken — they were elevated to new dimensions. Sub-27 is no longer a European aspiration; it is a standard. Thirty minutes is no longer a ceiling; it is a battleground. At the 10K Facsa Castelló, Europe did not just chase history — it outran it.