Kenya’s Faith Cherotich claimed victory in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the Paris Diamond League on Friday night, clocking a world-leading and personal best time of 8:53.37.
In a race that turned into a gripping East African derby, Olympic silver medalist Peruth Chemutai of Uganda fought hard but ultimately settled for second in a season-best 8:54.41, while Ethiopia’s Sembo Almayew claimed third with a season-best of 9:01.22.
Full Results:
- Faith Cherotich (KEN) – 8:53.37 (WL, PB)
- Peruth Chemutai (UGA) – 8:54.41 (SB)
- Sembo Almayew (ETH) – 9:01.22 (SB)
- Gabrielle Jennings (USA) – 9:08.05 (SB)
- Courtney Wayment (USA) – 9:08.88 (SB)
- Lea Meyer (GER) – 9:09.73
- Angelina Napoleon (USA) – 9:10.72 (PB)
- Alice Finot (FRA) – 9:15.33 (SB)
- Lomi Muleta (ETH) – 9:15.45
- Gesa Felicitas Krause (GER) – 9:28.75 (SB)
- Flavie Renouard (FRA) – 9:34.23
- Caren Chebet (KEN) – 9:40.04 (Pacemaker)
DNF – Agnieszka Chorzepa (POL)
The 20-year-old Faith Cherotich has been in dominant form throughout the 2025 season, having already dispatched Olympic champion Winfred Yavi in both Doha and Oslo.
While Yavi skipped the Paris meet, the presence of Chemutai promised a compelling showdown. Chemutai, who opened her season with a seventh-place finish in Doha (9:15.00), showed significant improvement in Hengelo, winning in 9:07.00.
Faith Cherotich also clocked the fastest intermediate time at 2000m, passing in 5:57.33, underlining her control of the race from mid-distance. With this result, Cherotich strengthens her lead in the Diamond League standings with 24 points, ahead of Winfred Yavi on 14.
The Paris victory not only affirms Faith Cherotich as the season’s steeplechase pacesetter but also positions her as a firm favorite heading into the upcoming global meets.