Kenya's Beatrice Chebet sets 10,000m world record at Eugene Diamond League 2024

Beatrice Chebet of Kenya ran 10,000 m in 28:54.14* at Oregon.

In a race that was set up as a 10,000m world record attempt, Beatrice Chebet of Kenya ran 28:54.14* to make history at the Prefontaine Classic or Eugene Diamond League 2024 on Saturday (25).

The time is an astounding seven seconds faster than Letesenbet Gidey’s previous world record of 29:01.03, set in 2021. 

Gudaf Tsegay moved to third on the world all-time list with her runner-up finish of 29:05.92, as well.

Tsegay and Chebet stayed within a stride of the lights marking world record pace throughout the race, until Chebet sped ahead with three laps remaining, the lead all her own, and with it the weight of a world record attempt. 

With 800m to go, Chebet pulled ahead of the lights by two whole strides as fans inside Hayward Field began standing in their seats.

After the finish, Chebet fell to the track, splayed out in exhaustion, as Tsegay finished and joined her on the track. When the women stood, they hugged as the new world record flashed on the scoreboard behind them.

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“For us, we came for selection for Olympics for 10,000,” Chebet said to AFP after the match

But she knew that Tsegay was targeting the world record and told herself “Let me go with her and see how my body responds.”

Chebet, who secured the world 5,000m silver in Eugene in 2022 and the 5,000m world bronze in Budapest last year, maintained close proximity to Tsegay throughout the majority of the race, strategically timing her decisive move on the 22nd lap out of 25.

In an impressive display of strength and strategy, Chebet surged ahead effortlessly during the final lap, securing a commanding lead. Tsegay crossed the finish line in second place with a time of 20:05.92, marking the third-fastest time ever recorded for the event.

“When I go for the last two laps, I just get motivated, I say, ‘Let me push the last 400,'” said Chebet, whose two cross-country world titles came at a similar distance.

Chebet said she’ll now target a 5,000m-10,000m double at the Paris Olympics.

“For me, I am happy, to be the first time on the Olympic team,” she said. “With good health, I know I am going to medal at the Olympics.”

Kenya’s Lilian Rengeruk finished third in 29:26.89, also punching her ticket to Paris.

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