In a spectacular display of athletic prowess, Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet concluded her remarkable year by smashing the world record for the women’s 5 km marathon at the Cursa dels Nassos in Barcelona. Clocking an astounding 14:13, Chebet outpaced her competitors and bettered the previous record by six seconds, setting the stage for a memorable achievement. Although subject to World Athletics’ ratification procedure, this victory marks a triumphant end to Chebet’s stellar 2023 campaign.
The race unfolded on the last day of 2023, with a strong start featuring Ethiopia’s Ejegayehu Taye, Medina Eisa, Kenya’s Lilian Kasait Rengeruk, and Uganda’s Joy Cheptoyek. Chebet and her competitors maintained an impressive pace, with the opening kilometer clocking in at 2:49. As the race progressed, Eisa dropped behind, and Cheptoyek fell back after 4 km. The final showdown came down to Beatrice Chebet and Ejegayehu Taye, the former record holder. In a thrilling sprint, Chebet surged ahead in the last 500m, securing her victory with a clear lead.
After crossing the finish line, Beatrice Chebet expressed her determination to break the world record in Barcelona. In an interview with World Athletics, she exclaimed, “I came to Barcelona determined to better the world record as I felt capable of that. This world record means a lot for me, I can’t believe it.” Chebet’s emotional response underlines the significance of this achievement in her illustrious career.
Beatrice Chebet gained international recognition as a junior athlete, clinching gold in the 5 km event at the World U20 Championships in Athletics in 2018. She continued her success with another gold in the junior women’s event at the 2019 World Cross Country Championships.
While 2021 proved challenging, Chebet showcased her exceptional talent in 2022. Notable achievements included a silver in the 5 km at the Eugene World Athletics Championships, gold in the same event at the Diamond League, victory at the 2022 African Championships, and triumph at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Beatrice Chebet carried her momentum into 2023 with two top-of-the-podium finishes at the World Cross Country Championships. She secured bronze in her specialist event at the Budapest World Athletics Championships and claimed the title at the Riga World Road Running Championships in the 5 km event, finishing with an impressive time of 14:35.
Source: Current Affairs
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