Chebet made history by successfully defending her senior women’s title, becoming the first senior female athlete to achieve back-to-back wins since Tirunesh Dibaba in 2006.
Saturday marked a triumphant day for Kenya as Beatrice Chebet led an impressive top-five sweep during the women’s senior race at the World Athletics Cross Country event in Belgrade, Serbia.
Chebet made history by successfully defending her senior women’s title, becoming the first senior female athlete to achieve back-to-back wins since Tirunesh Dibaba in 2006.
In a thrilling finish, the 24-year-old surged ahead of her Kenyan compatriot Lilian Kasait Rengeruk just 400 meters from the finish line, crossing it in 31:05. Rengeruk claimed the silver medal in 31:08, with Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi securing bronze in 31:09.
Speaking post-race, Chebet attributed her stellar performance to the favorable weather conditions, reminiscent of Kenya, and outstanding teamwork.
“We clinched the team title, which underscores our strong teamwork,” said Chebet. “Following our trials, we trained together, shared meals, and operated as a cohesive unit, which contributed to our success here.
“Defending a world championship title isn't easy; there's immense pressure. My aim was to reach the podium, and I felt my strength kick in with about 500 meters to go. The course was excellent, the weather akin to Kenya's—sunny—and the obstacles were manageable,” she added, as quoted by World Athletics media.
However, it was a disappointment for the Kenyan men in the senior race, as Uganda's Kiplimo retained his title by outpacing Ethiopia’s Berihu Aregawi for second place and Kenya’s Benson Kiplagat for third.
Despite missing out on the top spot in the men’s race, Kenya emerged as the best team in both the men’s and women’s events.
SENIOR WOMEN’S RACE
- Beatrice Chebet – 31:05
- Lilian kasait – 31:08
- Margaret Kipkemoi 31:09
- Emmaculate Anyango 31:24
- Agnes Jebet 31:27
- Serah Chelagat – 32:00
- Daisy Jepkemei – 32:04
- Bertukan Welde – 32:14
- Loice Chekwemoi - 32:24
- Mebrat Gidey - 32:27
SENIOR MEN’S RACE
- Jacob Kiplimo 28:09
- Berihu Aregawi 28:12
- Benson Kiplagat 28:14
- Nicholas kipkorir 28:16
- Samwel Masai 28:18
- Joshua Cheptegei 28:24
- Sebastian Sawe 28:31
- Gideon Rono 28:31
- Thierry Ndikumwenayo 28:36
- Boki Diriba 28:38