On Saturday (25), Beatrice Chebet of Kenya made history at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene by running a mind-blowing time of 28:54.14 in a race that was set up as a world record attempt for the 10,000m. This time was an astonishing seven seconds faster than Letesenbet Gidey’s previous world record of 29:01.03, set in 2021.
Gudaf Tsegay also achieved a remarkable milestone by moving to third on the world all-time list with her impressive runner-up finish in 29:05.92. Throughout the race, Chebet and Tsegay stayed closely behind the lights marking world record pace, with Chebet eventually pulling ahead with three laps remaining. The intensity of the race was palpable as Chebet extended her lead and pushed towards the finish line.
With just 800m left to go, Chebet was two strides ahead of the world record pace, causing excitement among fans inside Hayward Field who rose to their feet. After crossing the finish line, Chebet collapsed on the track, drained of all energy while Tsegay followed close behind. The two women embraced in a heartfelt hug as they celebrated their historic achievement and new world record that flashed on the scoreboard behind them.
This event marked a significant milestone not only for Chebet and Tsegay but also for women’s long-distance running in general. Nine women finished the race under 30 minutes, showcasing incredible talent and determination from these athletes. This groundbreaking race will be remembered as a milestone in long-distance running, setting a new standard for future generations to aspire to.
Stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable achievement as we continue to follow this exciting sporting event!
