Reynold Cheruiyot: Why Doha’s 5,000m Win Feels Like the Start of Something Bigger

Reynold Cheruiyot

Reynold Cheruiyot: Why Doha’s 5,000m Win Feels Like the Start of Something Bigger

Festus Chuma 20:40 - 16.05.2025

Reynold Cheruiyot claimed a stunning 5,000m victory at the Doha Diamond League, signaling Kenya's rising dominance in distance running.

Kenya’s Reynold Cheruiyot stormed to victory at the third leg of the Diamond League in Doha on Friday night.

The 2022 World Under-20 1500m champion took a commanding win in the men’s 5000m, clocking a personal best of 13:16.40.

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Cheruiyot surged ahead in the final lap with a powerful finishing kick to seal the deal under the floodlights of the Suheim Bin Hamad Stadium.

It was a tightly contested battle behind him, as Switzerland’s Dominic Lobalu and Bahraini Birhanu Balew finished in a photo finish, both registering 13:17.70 to claim second and third places, respectively.

A Tactical Masterclass

Cheruiyot’s strategy paid dividends in the Doha heat as he conserved energy before launching an explosive push in the last 400 metres.

"I decided to hold some strength for the last part of the race and push hard in the last 400 metres. The Kenyan fans came to the stadium to cheer us and see us give our best. They gave me a lot of power," said Cheruiyot.

The 19-year-old’s eyes are now firmly set on the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo, where he aims to compete in the 1500m – his specialty event.

"My focus for this season will be to be at the Tokyo World Championships and run the 1,500m race, so I'm preparing for that goal. I want to do both distances in the future. My biggest thanks to all the fans who were here tonight and helped me get to this good result," he added.

Depth of Talent on Display

Kenya’s presence in the race was formidable. Edwin Kurgat fought hard to secure a fifth-place finish in the tough, humid conditions.

Cornelius Kemboi also impressed, placing sixth. Their performances reaffirmed Kenya’s reputation as a powerhouse in distance running.

Ethiopia’s Samuel Tefera, better known for his 1500m credentials, showcased his versatility with a strong fourth-place finish in 13:18.63.

A diverse international field, including runners from Germany, Somalia, India, and the United States, added further intrigue to the night’s event.

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