Kenya’s Double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet believes the modern 5000m race is no longer just about endurance—it’s now a game of speed and precision.
Speaking ahead of the 2025 Rabat Diamond League, Chebet revealed how the tactical evolution of long-distance running has forced elite athletes to train like middle-distance specialists. She will be seeking her second win of the season as she headlines the women’s 3000m.
“Nowadays, athletics has changed a lot. You have to calculate, you have to do your own mathematics,” said Chebet during Saturday’s press conference.
“We now have 1500m specialists stepping into the 5000m. So if you don’t have speed, you can’t medal. That’s why I also include 1500m and 800m workouts in my program.”
Chebet’s remarks come ahead of her much-anticipated showdown with Ethiopia’s Medina Eisa, one of the standout races on the Rabat Diamond League schedule. Beatrice Chebet heads into the event in red-hot form, having stormed to a world-leading 14:27.12 victory at the Xiamen Diamond League.
“I didn’t give my best last time, but tomorrow I expect good results,” Chebet said. “I need to run my personal best.”
The 24-year-old from Kericho County has been putting in the work, clocking weekly mileage of 170 to 180 kilometers, complemented by targeted speed sessions. “After winning in Paris, I now believe in myself. The confidence is there,” she added.
Beatrice Chebet Focused on World Championships
While many eyes are on records, Chebet is focused on championships. “For now, I’ll just race well. When I feel the body is ready to chase a world record, I’ll try. But right now, the goal is the World Championships,” she emphasized.
Beatrice Chebet, who is also eyeing a double at the 2025 Tokyo Olympic Games, hinted at transitioning to the 10,000m in the near future. “As a long-distance runner, I have to move. In the next few years, I’m thinking of going to 10km, perhaps.”
With a new season underway and her sights set on global glory, Chebet is not just adapting to the modern game—she’s setting the pace.