Beatrice Chebet, Agnes Ngetich Set for Clash in 10,000m at 2025 World Athletics Championships Trials in Nairobi

Beatrice Chebet

Beatrice Chebet, Agnes Ngetich Set for Clash in 10,000m at 2025 World Athletics Championships Trials in Nairobi

Festus Chuma 07:16 - 21.07.2025

The two world record holders meet in a high-stakes 10,000m race at Kenya’s trials for the 2025 World Championships.

A must-watch race at Kenya’s trials for the 2025 World Athletics Championships is brewing as fireworks are expected in the women’s 10,000m final on Tuesday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Langata in Nairobi.

The event has attracted a world-class field headlined by global sensations Beatrice Chebet and Agnes Jebet Ng’etich—two athletes who both hold world records and are in blistering form.

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Only two automatic spots are up for grabs for the Tokyo World Championships set for September 13–21.

Fresh off setting a new women’s 5,000m world record at the Prefontaine Classic earlier this month, Chebet will be eyeing a memorable double in Tokyo.

But she will have to hold off fierce competition, led by Ng’etich, the women’s 10km road race world record holder, who is also targeting a 5,000m and 10,000m double.

“My training has been impeccable and I will do doubt fancy my chances against the more illustrious Chebet,” warned Ng’etich, who has been in razor-sharp form since the season began.

Clash of the Titans at Ulinzi

The Prefontaine Classic provided a preview of this looming clash, with Chebet clocking 13:58.06 to shatter the 5,000m world record as Ng’etich pushed her to the line in 14:01.29—making her the third-fastest woman ever in the distance.

Now, with national pride and Tokyo qualification on the line, the duo is set to face off again in a race expected to deliver drama, speed, and grit.

Chebet, the 10,000m world record holder at 28:54.14, became the first woman in history to dip under the 29-minute barrier over the distance last year at the same venue in Eugene.

“I want to double in Tokyo, but I must earn my place in the 10,000m by finishing top two. That’s my first focus,” said Chebet.

Ng’etich, who has a personal best of 31:34.83 in 10,000m on track, is eager to translate her incredible road form to the oval.

She stunned the world in Valencia last year when she clocked a jaw-dropping 28:46 to become the first woman to run 10km on the road in under 29 minutes.

Formidable Field Beyond the Headliners

While the spotlight may be firmly on Chebet and Ng’etich, the field is stacked with talent and ambition.

Lilian Kasait, who owns a personal best of 29:26.84, will be pushing to secure a top-two finish and disrupt the favourites.

Agnes Ngetich

Africa Games champion Janeth Chepng’etich, with a PB of 30:04.94, also poses a real threat, and will be motivated by the chance to shine on home soil.

Meanwhile, Catherine Reline, fresh from winning the Kaptagat Half Marathon just last weekend, is in peak condition and eager to stake her claim.

Reline, who trains in Kapsait and holds a 10,000m PB of 30:07.42, brings to the race podium experience and a winning mentality.

According to Athletics Kenya director of competitions Paul Mutwii, “The first two across the line automatically make the team, while the third athlete will be selected by a panel.”

Tuesday’s women’s 10,000m final promises to be nothing short of explosive—a clash of champions with national pride and global glory hanging in the balance.