Uganda’s Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai delivered a statement performance at the FBK Games in Hengelo, storming to victory in the women’s 3000m steeplechase with a commanding run of 9:07.79 , the third-fastest time in the world this year.
Chemutai, who won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and silver in Paris 2024, controlled the race from the opening laps. She pulled away early and never facing a challenge. She cruised to the finish with a 13-second margin over her nearest rival.
Behind Chemutai, Ethiopia’s Wosane Asefa and Kenya’s Caren Chebet also posted personal bests, clocking 9:20.83 and 9:22.35 respectively.
For Caren Chebet, the 2017 World U18 champion, the result was particularly meaningful. She was looking to rebound after failing to finish her race at Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi.
Her only podium of the season before Hengelo had come at the Kenyan national trials for the World Relays in April, where she ran 9:36.28 to win.
This marked a major turnaround for Kenya’s steeplechase crew, who have had a turbulent start to the 2025 season, struggling to find their usual dominance on the international stage.
Also attempting a return to form is Jackline Chepngeno, the 32-year-old 2016 African Championships silver medallist. Chepngeno was making her first track appearance in nearly three years. Her last outing having come at the 2022 Frankfurt Marathon, where she finished third in 2:25:14.
Meanwhile, Daisy Jepkemei, the 2012 World U20 champion now running for Kazakhstan, was also in the field. Fresh from winning 10,000m gold and steeplechase bronze at the Asian Championships last month, Jepkemei was unable to make an impact in Hengelo, fading outside the top finishers.
All seven top finishers ran under 9:26, marking this as one of the most competitive 3000m steeplechase races of the year so far.
Final Top 7
1. Peruth Chemutai Uganda 9:07.79 – Season’s Best, World No. 3
2. Wosane Asefa Ethiopia 9:20.83 – Personal Best
3. Caren Chebet Kenya 9:22.35 – Personal Best
4. Angelina Ellis USA 9:22.85 – Strong finish
5. Marta Serrano Spain 9:24.26 – Spanish U23 National Record
6. Adva Cohen Israel 9:24.46 – Israel National Record
7. Eline Dalemans – Belgium 9:25.80 -Personal Best
