23-year-old Kenyan athlete Beatrice Chebet has etched her name in the annals of track and field history by obliterating the women’s world 5km record at the Cursa dels Nassos road race in Barcelona.
Chebet’s remarkable feat unfolded as she crossed the finish line in an astonishing 14 minutes and 13 seconds, shattering the previous women-only record held by Ethiopia’s Senbere Teferi by an impressive 16 seconds. This remarkable achievement not only establishes Chebet as a force to be reckoned with but also cements her place among the elite in long-distance running.
Notably, Chebet’s triumph extends beyond gender-specific records. Her time also outpaced the women’s world record in a mixed race, previously held by Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye at the 2021 Cursa dels Nassos, by an impressive six seconds. In a riveting race, Taye, at 23, secured the second position, while Kenya’s Lilian Rengeruk, 26, claimed the third spot.
This victory is the pinnacle of an exceptional year for Chebet, which commenced with her claiming the world cross-country title in Bathurst in February. Undeterred, she continued her winning streak by securing the inaugural world 5km title in Riga in October and clinching a bronze in the 5,000m at the World Championships in Budapest in August.
In the men’s race, 25-year-old Dominic Lobalu of South Sudan emerged victorious, contributing to the overall excitement of the event. However, it was Chebet’s electrifying performance that stole the spotlight, not only breaking records but underlining the extraordinary achievements possible through dedication, skill, and sheer determination.
