Uganda’s Sarah Chelangat etched her name into history on Saturday afternoon with a commanding victory in the women’s 5000m at the 2025 Kip Keino Classic.
Running under clear skies at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, the 23-year-old delivered a dominant gun-to-tape performance, stopping the clock at 15:03.33. Chelangat seized control after the third lap, setting a pace too punishing for her competitors and never relenting.
Pre-race favourite Maurine Jepkoech Chebor of Kenya, despite strong home support, had to settle for second place, crossing the line in 15:14.57. Ethiopia’s Mamite Gemene completed the podium with a time of 15:21.25.
The Kenyan squad showed depth, with Cynthia Chepkirui and seasoned campaigner Mercy Cherono finishing fourth and fifth respectively in 15:24.30 and 15:25.35. Uganda’s Charity Cherop, who had remained in podium contention for much of the race, faded in the closing stages to finish sixth in 15:28.87.
Chelangat, the reigning Ugandan national 10,000m champion, showcased her tactical awareness and stamina in a race that initially promised the usual strategic manoeuvres. However, once the pacemaker exited, Chelangat decisively took charge, quickly opening up a gap that widened with every lap.
By the halfway point, it was clear the race belonged to her. Questions briefly lingered about whether the early surge would cost her in the final laps, but Chelangat maintained her rhythm and composure, storming to the finish to secure a landmark victory not just for herself, but for Ugandan athletics.
The Kip Keino Classic, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series, continues to attract some of the continent’s top talent, and Chelangat’s triumph adds a new chapter to the growing Uganda-Kenya distance running rivalry.
