Kenya’s middle-distance sensation Faith Kipyegon has once again underlined her legendary status by shattering the women’s 1500m world record at the 50th edition of the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.
With a blistering time of 3:48.68, Kipyegon improved on her own previous world record of 3:49.04 set in 2023. The breathtaking performance left fans at Hayward Field in awe, as she powered through the final stretch with her trademark finishing kick. The race was fiercely contested, with Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji and Australia’s Jessica Hull pushing the pace, but Kipyegon surged ahead in the last 100 meters to secure yet another historic victory.
Her record-breaking run did more than just etch her name in the history books it unlocked a significant financial windfall. Under the Diamond League reward system, Kipyegon earns $10,000 (KSh 1.27 million) for winning the race and an additional $50,000 (KSh 6.36 million) as a bonus for setting a new world record. In total, she walks away from the Eugene meet with a cool $60,000 (KSh 7.6 million).
Beyond prize money, her feat significantly boosts her commercial appeal. Kipyegon is now expected to attract more endorsement deals, higher appearance fees, and performance bonuses from sponsors. Her consistency, humility, and remarkable achievements make her a magnet for global brands seeking elite, inspirational athletes.
This latest triumph arrives at a crucial point in her career. With the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo just around the corner, Kipyegon’s stock continues to soar. She will be defending both the 1500m and 5000m world titles, and her dominant form positions her as the clear favorite in both events.
Her success also serves as a major morale booster for Kenya’s athletics fraternity, particularly as she continues to inspire a new generation of runners. Alongside her teammate Beatrice Chebet, who also set a world record in the 5000m on the same evening, Kipyegon has reaffirmed Kenya’s strength in distance running on the global stage.
As she continues her preparations for Tokyo, Faith Kipyegon is not only chasing medals but also writing a legacy of excellence, resilience, and historic milestones. Her latest record is not just a victory on the track it’s a testament to years of discipline, world-class training, and unmatched determination. And with the millions now flowing her way, her success story is far from over.
