Beatrice Chebet purposely finished third in the women’s 10,000 metre event at the 2025 Tokyo World Championship trials to ensure she captured a spot on the team. The world record holder has been running historic performances. There was no need to go to the well in the domestic event.
Strangely, the trials were originally scheduled for August 1-2. With short notice Athletics Kenya went for July 20.
Janeth Chepngetich took the win in a time of 30:27.02. Second was Agnes Jebet Ngetich in 30:27.38, then Chebet one and a half minutes slower than her best at 30:27.52. As the race was held at altitude, these are three of the fastest times at that elevation.
“Running alongside Janet and Agnes was amazing.”
The men’s 1500m was a replay of the 2025 Kenyan Championships. Timothy Cheruiyot and 2022 world U20 champion Reynold Cheruiyot battled for the win. Reynold won again, in 3:48.96 ahead of Timothy, who clocked in at 3:49.07 as Brian Komen placed third (3:49.11).
Nicholas Kebenei dominated the men’s 800m, winning in 1:43.54. Kelvin Loti took second in 1:43.90, and Alex Kipng’etich crossed the line in 1:44.40 for third.
Cornelius Kemboi stunned everyone, winning the men’s 5000m in 13:38.46. Matthew Kipsang and Kelvin Rotich finished second in 13:38.87 and third in 13:39.13, respectively.
Altitude for sure played a significant role as times were comparatively slow demonstrated by the women’s 1500m event as Nelly Chepchirchir clocked a 4:05.09 for the win, while Susan Lokayo Ejore followed in for second at 4:05.24 and taking third was Dorcas Ewoi in a pedestrian 4:08.08.
