At just 25 years old, Beatrice Chebet is rewriting the very fabric of women’s long-distance running.
The Kenyan star etched her name into athletics history books earlier this year by becoming the first woman to break the 29-minute barrier in the 10,000m, clocking an astonishing 28:54.14 at the 2024 Prefontaine Classic. Remarkably, it was her debut in the 10,000m outside Kenya, making the feat even more impressive.
Chebet isn’t content with the records she’s already made, she’s chasing the ones ahead
A Near Miss and a Bold Promise
Chebet recently came within a whisker of the women’s 5000m world record at the Rome Diamond League. Her time of 14:03.69 was just 2.5 seconds shy of Gudaf Tsegay’s 1997 mark of 14:00.21.
After crossing the line, well ahead of a strong field that included Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay and Italy’s Olympic medalist Nadia Battocletti, Chebet’s focus was already on what’s next.
Speaking to Citius Mag moments after the race, she made a bold declaration.
“Like I said yesterday, I am going to run my world record because I am feeling the body is in good shape. I have to try to see how far I can go when I push a lot.”
Her confidence wasn’t misplaced. The target for the night was 14:15. She bettered that with a personal best of 14:05, and the margins suggest she’s within striking distance of the record.
“I see the world record is capable and I am going to plan for it,” she added.
Running the Race and Raising the Field
The Rome Diamond League was a tactical, fast-paced affair. Pacemakers kept the tempo on the meeting record pace of 14:12.59, hitting the 1000m mark in 2:50.06 and 2000m in 5:41.45.
At 3000m, Chebet was part of a breakaway group and clocked 8:32.20. She turned up the heat in the final four laps, clocking 2:46 for the fourth kilometer and 2:44 for the final one, surging ahead of a field that included world indoor champion Freweyni Hailu and Italy’s Nadia Battocletti.
Chebet eventually won the race by over 15 seconds, while Hailu set a personal best of 14:19.33 for second and Battocletti delighted the home crowd with a national record of 14:23.15.
Chebet acknowledged her role in elevating the field’s performance:
“I help them a lot to achieve their personal best and national record. Like Nadia, I am so happy to see everyone achieving their best performance today in Europe.”
A Season of Consistency and Promise
Chebet’s remarkable form in 2025 is not an overnight miracle. It’s the result of years of dedication, spotted early by her grandmother after a neighbor noticed the young Beatrice’s talent. Her grandmother quickly connected her with Coach Paul Kemei of Lemotit Athletic Club, setting her on a path to greatness.
In an interview with Nation Africa in 2023, Chebet reflected.
“I was more than ready to take up athletics as long as she supported me.”
Fast forward to 2025, Chebet began her season with a commanding win at the Xiamen Diamond League’s women’s 5000m. Her near-record performance in Rome cements her status as one of the best distance runners of her generation.
World Record Incoming?
Asked whether a sub-14:00 5000m was on her mind, Chebet replied without hesitation.
“Yes, very soon, and I am going for it soon, not very far. I just go back home and prepare for it.”
With the kind of times she’s clocking, and the momentum of a historic season behind her, it’s no longer a question of if, but when.
As fans and fellow athletes watch in anticipation, Beatrice Chebet is not done yet.
