Kenya’s Kipyegon and Chebet Strike Gold with $38,587 Payouts for Shattering World Records at Prefontaine Classic…Read More…
Eugene, Oregon — July 12, 2025
The Prefontaine Classic witnessed history rewritten as Kenya’s distance-running royalty — Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet — electrified Hayward Field with record-breaking performances that not only etched their names deeper into the annals of athletics, but also earned each a handsome prize of $38,587 (equivalent to 5 million Kenyan shillings). The golden moment was not just about fast times — it was about resilience, national pride, and two women at the peak of their powers redefining what’s possible.
Held under perfect conditions in Eugene, the prestigious Prefontaine Classic served as the final leg of the Wanda Diamond League, attracting the world’s finest athletes. But no one shone brighter than the Kenyan duo, who stunned the global athletics community by smashing world records in their respective events.
Kipyegon’s Dominance Continues
Faith Kipyegon, already a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the reigning queen of the women’s 1500m and 5000m, further cemented her legacy by obliterating the women’s mile world record. Clocking an astonishing 4:07.43, she bettered the previous mark of 4:12.33 set by Sifan Hassan in 2019. From the gun, Kipyegon looked poised and calculated, sitting behind the pacemaker for the first two laps before decisively pulling away from the field in the final 600 meters.
What made the feat even more remarkable was the ease with which she did it. Her closing kick was met with deafening roars from the crowd, many of whom knew they were witnessing something historic. As she crossed the finish line, the clock confirmed what her stride had already hinted — a new world record, and a performance for the ages.
“I just ran free,” Kipyegon said afterward. “I wanted to push my limits and see what I could do. This was a gift to my country and everyone who has believed in me since the beginning.”
This was the third world record Kipyegon has broken in just over a year, reinforcing her status as arguably the greatest female middle-distance runner of all time.
Chebet Shocks the World in the 10,000m
Meanwhile, in a race that had all the makings of a tactical showdown, Beatrice Chebet stunned even the most seasoned pundits with a jaw-dropping world record in the women’s 10,000 meters. Finishing in 28:53.17, she became the first woman in history to break the 29-minute barrier on American soil — a feat previously thought unreachable in such a setting.
Chebet, known more for her prowess in the 5000m and cross-country, showed she is equally dangerous over 25 laps. Her pace remained remarkably consistent throughout the race, never wavering even as seasoned runners like Letesenbet Gidey and Sifan Hassan tried to break away mid-race. With three laps to go, Chebet surged forward with a devastating kick, dropping her final lap in 62 seconds to blow past the field.
“I’ve been working towards this moment my entire career,” said Chebet, who looked stunned even after receiving her ceremonial flower crown. “To break the world record on such a stage is beyond my dreams. I dedicate this to every young Kenyan girl who dreams of running.”
Her performance not only broke the stadium record but also established her as a favorite heading into the upcoming World Championships and Paris Olympics.
Financial Rewards and National Honor
The Prefontaine Classic, a Diamond League event with a legacy of honoring record-setters, rewarded both Kipyegon and Chebet with $38,587 each — a sum equivalent to 5 million Kenyan shillings. The prize was part of a larger initiative by World Athletics and event sponsors to recognize and financially reward athletes who deliver historic performances.
Back home, the news sparked jubilation across Kenya, with celebrations erupting in Eldoret, Iten, and Kapsabet — traditional distance-running hubs. Kenyan President William Ruto and Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba issued congratulatory messages, calling the athletes “national treasures” and promising further state recognition.
“We are incredibly proud of our daughters, Faith and Beatrice,” President Ruto said in a statement. “They continue to fly the Kenyan flag high and serve as role models for future generations. Their achievements are not just athletic; they are cultural, inspirational, and patriotic.”
Plans are reportedly underway for a state reception in Nairobi, with rumors swirling of national honors and financial incentives from the government and private sector.
A Golden Era for Kenyan Women in Athletics
Kenya has long been a powerhouse in distance running, but the current generation of women athletes, led by Kipyegon and Chebet, is rewriting the narrative. No longer are Kenyan women merely participating — they are dominating, innovating, and smashing records long thought untouchable.
The Prefontaine Classic results not only highlight the exceptional talent of these athletes but also underscore the importance of investment in women’s athletics. Both Kipyegon and Chebet have cited improved training facilities, better coaching, and a growing support network for female athletes as key components of their success.
Looking Ahead
With the Paris 2024 Olympics just around the corner and the World Championships in Tokyo looming, the performances at the Prefontaine Classic serve as a warning shot to the rest of the world — Kenya’s finest are not only ready, they are transcending the sport itself.
Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet have proven they’re more than just elite athletes. They are symbols of hope, resilience, and Kenyan excellence. And with $38,587 in their pockets and world records to their names, they are riding the crest of a golden wave — one that shows no signs of slowing.
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