NAIROBI, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's world 10,000m bronze medalist Rhonex Kipruto is targeting a world record in Valencia's 10km race on Sunday, which is World Athletics Gold Label event.

The 20-year-old came tantalizingly close to the world record of 26:44 when he clocked 26:46 in Prague in September 2018.

Now he has sounded the alarm that he intends to run faster than 27:00 and attempt a world record.

"I can confirm that my preparations have gone on well without a hitch and I am well prepared specifically for the race for the past three months. I want to run fast time," said Kipsang on Saturday.

In addition to his Doha accolade, Kipruto has shown a great consistency in 2019, having twice bettered the 27-minute barrier on the track, topped by a lifetime best of 26:50:16 to win in Stockholm, a performance only 0.16 faster than the time which led him to his world bronze medal.

Kipruto will be paced by his compatriots Jacob Kiprop, who finished sixth in the 5000m at the World Championships, and Shadrack Koech, who finished fourth in Prague last September in a best time of 27:21.

"There is no talk about a world record (26:38) attempt but if it comes my way, I will take it," said the in-form Kipruto.

Other Kenyans in the field include Benard Kimeli, Vedic Kipckoech and Alex Korio.

Sheila Chepkirui is the fastest entrant in the women's race thanks to her 29:57 clocking in Prague in September 2019, making her the second-fastest woman in history for the event. She will be joined by compatriots Rosemary Wanjiru and Norah Jeruto.

The former finished a surprising fourth in the 10,000m at the World Championships in Doha, lowering her best time in the process to 30:35.75 while Jeruto is a top steeplechaser and one of just five women in history to have bettered the nine-minute barrier for the event.

The 24-year-old is fresh from a convincing win in Houilles, France last month in 30:32. Enditem

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