Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet etched her name in athletic history on Sunday, obliterating the women’s 5km world record at the Cursa dels Nassos race. The 23-year-old blazed across the finish line in a stunning 14 minutes and 13 seconds, a feat that pulverized both the women-only and mixed-race world records.
Chebet’s dominant performance shaved a massive 16 seconds off the previous women-only record of 14:29 set by Ethiopia’s Senbere Teferi in September 2021. Notably, her time also eclipsed the 14:19 mixed-race mark established by fellow Ethiopian Ejegayehu Taye at the same Barcelona event in 2021.
“I came to Barcelona determined to break the world record,” declared Chebet, her disbelief still palpable. “I felt capable of it, but this result is beyond my wildest dreams.”
The record-breaking race witnessed a fierce tussle between Chebet and Ethiopia’s Ejegayehu Taye. Over the penultimate kilometer, Taye surged ahead, briefly sharing the lead with Chebet – the reigning world cross country champion and a world 5000m bronze medalist. Both pushed the pace, desperate to etch their names into the record books.
As the runners hit the 4km mark in 11:36, three athletes remained in contention. However, Kenyan Lilian Kasait Rengeruk faded, leaving the battle for the ages to Chebet and Taye. In a display of breathtaking speed and stamina, Chebet found another gear in the final 500 meters, pulling away decisively from Taye to secure her historic victory.
Taye crossed the line in a commendable 14:21, while Rengeruk completed the podium in 14:26. Notably, even fourth-place finisher Joy Cheptoyek of Uganda dipped under the previous women-only world record with a time of 14:28, showcasing the depth and intensity of the competition.
In the men’s race, Switzerland’s Dominic Lobalu reigned supreme, clocking 13:12 to finish six seconds ahead of Kenyan runner-up Mathew Kipkoech Kipruto.
Chebet’s record-breaking feat marks a pivotal moment in women’s distance running, pushing the boundaries of what’s deemed possible over 5km. Her remarkable achievement sends a clear message – the future of the sport is brimming with potential, and Chebet is determined to be at the forefront of it.
