NAIROBI—Tuesday, July 23
Janeth Chepngetich pulled off a surprise win at the Kenyan trials on Tuesday, clinching the women’s 10,000 m title and securing a place at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The 26-year-old clocked 30:27.02, defeating world record holders Beatrice Chebet and Agnes Jebet Ngetich in a tightly contested race. It marks Chepngetich’s first selection for the World Championships after falling short of Olympic qualification last year.
“I had a plan to control the race from the start. Thankfully, it paid off,” said Chepngetich, who is not related to marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich, currently serving a provisional doping suspension.
Chebet, who recently set a 5,000m world record in Eugene, placed third, securing her third World Championships appearance. Ngetich also earned selection after finishing in the top three.
Cherotich Cruises to Steeplechase Victory
In the women’s 3,000 m steeplechase, Olympic bronze medalist Faith Cherotich returned to winning form with a dominant performance, clocking 9:09.44. Doris Lemngole took second in 9:24.69, followed by Caren Chebet in third (9:34.91).
Cherotich had previously lost to Bahraini rival Winfred Yavi in Eugene but showed no signs of fatigue in Tuesday’s race.
Serem Wins for Absent Brother in Men’s Steeplechase
Edmund Serem, the 2021 world U20 champion, won the men’s steeplechase in 8:38.91, stepping up in place of his injured older brother, Amos Serem.
“It’s a bittersweet moment. Amos would’ve run today, but I’m glad I could represent him,” said Edmund. He’ll now head to Tokyo with medal hopes.
Diamond League winner Simon Kiprop Koech placed second (8:39.97), while world and Olympic bronze medalist Abraham Kibiwott finished third.
Reynold Cheruiyot Wins 1,500m as Rising Star Withdraws
The men’s 1,500m saw a tactical race won by Reynold Cheruiyot in 3:48.86, edging past 2019 world champion Timothy Cheruiyot (3:49.07) and Brian Komen.
Teen prodigy Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech, 18, withdrew from the event due to fatigue after recently defeating world champion Josh Kerr at the Diamond League meet in London. Despite not racing, Koech has been included in the Tokyo-bound team.
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