Double Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon secured a bronze medal in the women’s mile at the inaugural World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia on Sunday.
Kipyegon, who was the pre-race favourite, took the lead right from the start. However, the Ethiopian pair of Diribe Welteji and Freyweni Hailu carefully trailed her before making their move just before the finish line.
The 21-year-old Welteji set a new world record of 4:21.00, while her compatriot Hailu claimed silver in 4:23.06.
Kipyegon crossed the finish line in third place, earning the bronze medal with a time of 4:24.13, while her compatriot Nelly Chepchirchir finished fourth in 4:31.18.
This marked the first defeat of the season for Kipyegon, who had an exceptional track season, breaking world records in the 1500m, 5000m, and the mile.
In the men’s road mile, the Kenyan duo of Kyumbe Munguti and Reynold Cheruiyot finished in 13th and 22nd place, respectively.
