Prefontaine Classic to be used by Athletics Kenya for 10,000m Olympic team selection

The Prefontaine Classic, the fifth event in this year’s Diamond League series, will serve as the selection event for the Athletics Kenya 10,000m Olympic teams. 

Event organizers confirmed on Sunday that the men’s and women’s 10,000m races have been included in the meet program.

“We are thrilled that Athletics Kenya has once again chosen the Prefontaine Classic to host the selection event for their 10,000m Olympic team,” stated Jody Smith, Co-Meeting Director of the Prefontaine Classic, on the official event website.

 “Pre Classic is committed to bringing the world’s best athletes, and the world’s best athletics competitions to Hayward Field. Hosting the selection event for such a prestigious team is fully aligned with that commitment.”

With both Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums closed, Kenya lacks suitable venues for achieving Olympic qualifying times, making the Prefontaine Classic a critical opportunity. 

This event mirrors Kenya’s approach in 2012 when they also used the Prefontaine Classic for Olympic qualification.

Leading the men’s team is last year’s World Outdoor silver medalist, Daniel Simiu Ebenyo. 

He will be joined by 2024 World Cross-country bronze medalist Benson Kiplangat and Samwel Chebolei, who boasts a personal best of 27:10.06. The Olympic qualifying standard for the men’s 10,000m is 27:00.

The women’s team will feature two-time World Cross-country Championships gold medalist Beatrice Chebet, who recently secured her first track race victory of the season at the Doha Diamond League.

 Also on the team are Emmaculate Anyango Achol, the world’s second-fastest 10K runner who finished fourth at the 2024 World Cross Country Championships, and Grace Loibach. The qualifying standard for the women’s 10,000m is 30:40.

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