All eyes will be on Hayward Field this Saturday, July 5th, as Kenya’s top middle and long-distance runners converge for the highly anticipated 5000m women’s showdown at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League. The event doubles as a vital selection trial for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, with fierce competition expected for the coveted national team slots.
Leading the charge is two-time Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet, who returns to Eugene in phenomenal form. Chebet recently secured double gold at the Paris Olympics and remains a dominant force in the Diamond League, aiming for her fourth 5000m victory this season. Her consistency and competitive spirit make her a strong contender to clinch one of the three automatic qualification spots for Tokyo.
She will, however, face stern opposition from close friend and rising star Agnes Jebet Ng’etich. The 10km world record holder has been in excellent form throughout the season and is expected to push Chebet to the limit. Their rivalry has developed into one of the most compelling narratives in women’s distance running, adding an extra layer of intensity to this showdown.
The competition doesn’t stop with Chebet and Ng’etich. Former All Africa Games 10,000m champion Caroline Nyaga brings depth and experience to the field. Also in the mix are Margaret Akidor, African Games silver medallist Janeth Chepngetich, Hellen Ekalale, Caroline Kariba, Sarah Wanjiru, and Maurine Chebor, all aiming to make their mark and earn a place on the global stage.
For Chebet, the Prefontaine Classic holds special emotional value. It was here that she etched her name in history by becoming the first woman to run a sub-29-minute 10,000m, clocking 28:54.14 to break the world record and secure her place at the Paris Olympics.
While the top three finishers will earn direct qualification to Tokyo, Chebet has a safety net. Her strong Diamond League performances have already secured her a spot in the finals in Zurich, providing another route to World Championship selection should she miss out in Eugene.
In the men’s 10,000m, a deep and competitive Kenyan field is expected to deliver fireworks. Among the top contenders are 2022 World silver medallist Stanley Waithaka Mburu, seasoned runner Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli, and former U20 5000m world champion Benson Kiplangat. They’ll be joined by a promising group including Richard Etir, Ishmael Rokitto, Mathew Kipruto, and Edwin Kurgat.
Kenya’s proud legacy in the 10,000m is well-documented, with past global champions including Charles Kamathi (2001), Paul Kipkoech (1987), and Moses Tanui (1991). This weekend’s races promise to write the next chapter in that storied tradition.
