In a thrilling showcase of Kenyan talent, Beatrice Chebet claimed the top spot at the inaugural 5km World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia on Sunday, crossing the finish line with an impressive time of 14:35.
Chebet’s victory marked her second global title of the season, following her World Cross Country Championship win earlier in February. She wrapped up her season with a gold medal, a remarkable achievement after securing bronze at the World Championships in Budapest.
Throughout the race, Chebet displayed tactical patience, methodically closing the gap on Ethiopia’s Ejgayehu Taye. With a burst of speed in the final 200 meters, Chebet surged ahead to claim the championship title.
It was a Kenyan double delight as Hellen Kasait put up a fierce fight, surging from third place to overtake Taye in the final 50 meters, clinching the silver medal with a time of 14:39. Meanwhile, Taye held on for third place, earning the bronze medal in 14:40.
The race itself was highly competitive, with Chebet and Kasait staying in close proximity within the leading group. The first kilometre was completed in a rapid 2:55, led by Uganda’s Joy Cheptoek. The pace then moderated in the second and third kilometres, each taking roughly three minutes.
By the fourth kilometre, the leading group had thinned out, and the pace intensified with a split time of 2:55. At this stage, it was down to the two Kenyans and two Ethiopians, with Taye and the 18-year-old Medina Eisa taking control.
With approximately 800 meters remaining, Eisa fell behind, and Kasait faced increasing difficulty, leaving Chebet and Taye to go head-to-head. In a display of composure and a powerful finishing kick, Chebet secured her victory. Kasait, digging deep into her reserves, managed to outpace Taye for the silver medal.
Beatrice Chebet’s exceptional performance in the 5km World Road Running Championships adds another highlight to her burgeoning career in long-distance running.
