Athletics Kenya Takes 5000m and 10,000m World Championships Trials to US Soil

Beatrice Chebet, Faith Kipyegon, Stanley Waithaka and Nicholas Kimeli, among other long-distance stars, will have to compete at the Prefontaine Classic if they intend to make the 5000m or 10,000m teams for the World Championships in Tokyo.

In a statement released to the public, Athletics Kenya has made the deliberate decision to host the women’s 5000m and men’s 10,000m national trials for the World Championships at the Diamond League Meeting in Eugene on Saturday, July 5, at the Hayward Field.

Last year, the 10,000m trials to the Paris Olympic Games were held at the Prefontaine Classic, where Beatrice Chebet set the 10,000m world record, clocking a stunning 28:54.14 to win the race.

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Athletics Kenya revealed that the men’s 5000m and women’s 10,000m qualifiers will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, during the trials for the World Championships.

“Kenya has a rich history and connection with this prestigious event where several of our athletes have over the years shone and etched their names in record books with memorable performances,” Athletics Kenya said in a statement.

“In 2011, Moses Mosop became a double world record holder when he clocked 1:12:25.4 in the men’s 25,000m and 1:26:47.4 in the men’s 30,000m at this competition.

“Selection of the athletes to represent Kenya in the men’s 5000m and women’s 10,000m will be undertaken during the Trials for World Athletics Championships in Nairobi.”

In the statement, Athletics Kenya further noted that since the athletes will be competing against competitors from across the globe, they will be looking to give their best shot to qualify.

They extended a hand of gratitude to the organisers of the Prefontaine Classic for granting the federation a chance to conduct their trials.

“It is on the backdrop of these outstanding exploits that we are convinced that this year’s national trials for the two disciplines will be equally competitive, thus producing a final team of world-class athletes capable of sweeping the podium in Tokyo,” Athletics Kenya added.

“AK is grateful to the organising committee of the Prefontaine Classic for providing us with this competitive environment and world-class facilities to conduct this exercise.”

During last year’s edition of the Prefontaine Classic, Beatrice Chebet set a new world record of 28:54.14 in the women’s 10,000m, to secure a ticket to the Paris Olympic Games.

She was joined by Lilian Kasait and Margaret Chelimo. At the Olympic Games, Beatrice Chebet claimed top honours in the 5000m and 10,000m.

In the men’s race, Daniel Mateiko won the race in a time of 26:50.81 as Nicholas Kipkorir came in second with 26:50.94. Another Kenyan, Bernard Kibet, rounded up the podium in 26:51.09.