That the track is manufactured by CONICA AG should be no surprise, and here are some of the amazing highlights of the 2023 meet:

First and foremost, Faith Kipyegon. Prior to July 21, 2023, Faith held the World record (WR) at 1,500m (3:49.06) and 5,000m (14:05.20). In an exhilarating race, she ran a new WR for the Mile of 4:07.64, destroying the former WR held by Sifan Hasan of 4:12.33.

But this is just part of the story. After the race, Faith had this to say to the media in the mixed zone:

“It was a blessing to achieve this with these ladies. I can see that they are all happy for me, and it is so emotional! I really enjoyed this race. I was really looking forward to racing here!”

Not only did Faith set the WR, but she also inspired a series of National records (NR) set by those who followed her! Ciara Mageen, European silver medallist at 1,500m, ran 4:14.58, an Irish NR. Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu ran 4:14.79 for third, an Ethiopian NR. Laura Muir ran 4:15.24 in fourth, a new British NR. Jessica Hull set the Australian record in fifth in 4:16.34. Nikki Hiltz took down the AR of Mary Slaney, running 4:16.35. Melissa Courtney Bryant from GB was sixth in a personal best (PB) 4:16.38. US champ at 5,000m and 10,000m, Elise Cranny, was seventh in 4:16.47!

That was one of the deepest women’s miles in history.

In the 100m hurdles, Americans came 1^st-4^th with Nia Ali setting a PB of 12.30, Keni Harrison running 12.31, and Alaysha Johnson in 12.39.

“I feel amazing,” said a jubilant Nia Ali. “It was a PB for me, and it is the first time I win in a Diamond League; I cannot believe it, and it is lovely to have won here in Monaco!”

In the 5,000m for Men, the veteran, at only 29, Hagos Gebrihewit, showed his desire to excel in Budapest with his big win at 12:42.18, his first PB in five years!

The happy veteran said of his fine 12.5 laps in Monaco:

“Today, I am very glad for my performance because 12:42 is a huge improvement for me. The race was very good, and I am also glad for my compatriots!”

One of the other standouts is Karsten Warholm, who ran 46.51, a new Diamond League record for the 400-meter hurdles. Karsten Warholm took control early and did not relinquish it, running an meeting record of 46.51, his fastest time of the year.

After the race, Karsten had this to say about racing in Monaco:

“It was really nice to do this again, that 0.01 sec off the Diamond League record and also the track record, it is very good. Conditions were very good. My last races were in cold and rain, both at the National Champs and Stockholm. The goal is always to get the win!”

Whilst we cannot all be world record holders, we can train and race on a CONICA track, enjoying the advantages that it gives the top athletes who raced on Conica at Monaco.