Kenya’s charge in the men’s 1500m at the 2025 World Athletics Championships gathered momentum after Reynold Cheruiyot and Timothy Cheruiyot advanced to the semifinals in Tokyo. The two put in composed performances in their heats to secure automatic qualification, keeping the country’s medal hopes alive in a discipline where Kenya has a rich history.
Reynold Cheruiyot, running in Heat 2, stayed close to the leaders throughout the race and avoided the jostling that often disrupts opening rounds. The 21-year-old crossed the line in 3:41.17 to finish fourth, well within the qualifying standards. His older compatriot, former world champion Timothy Cheruiyot, looked equally assured in Heat 3, clocking 3:42.20 for fourth place and a safe passage to the next round.
The heartbreak of the day came in the final heat, where young prospect Phanuel Koech saw his debut campaign cut short. Running strongly and on course to challenge for a qualifying spot, Koech was knocked off balance on the last lap and tumbled out of contention. He eventually finished 12th, visibly frustrated by the incident. Officials reviewed the footage but ruled it a racing incident, leaving him out of the semifinals despite Kenya’s appeal for reinstatement.
Elsewhere in the heats, some of the event’s biggest names made headlines. Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen, returning to major competition after an injury-disrupted year, faded late to finish eighth and miss out. Britain’s Jake Wightman, the 2022 world champion, seized the moment to qualify in 3:36.90. Defending world champion Josh Kerr and Olympic champion Cole Hocker also eased through with impressive runs, while Norway’s Narve Gilje Nordås set the fastest overall time of 3:35.90.
With Koech eliminated, Kenya’s hopes rest on Reynold and Timothy Cheruiyot heading into the semifinals. Timothy, the 2019 world champion, will be seeking redemption after missing out on Olympic glory three years ago, while Reynold represents the new generation determined to carry the nation’s middle-distance legacy forward.
The semifinals promise to be fiercely contested, with Kerr, Wightman, Nordås, and Hocker all in top form. Kenyan fans will be watching eagerly to see if their runners can secure places in the final and keep the red, green, and black flag flying high in Tokyo.
