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Beatrice Chebet won the 10,000m world title in Tokyo with a time of 30:37.61.
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She finished ahead of Italy’s Nadia Battocletti and Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay.
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The victory delivered Kenya’s first track gold of the championships.
Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet claimed the women’s 10,000 metres world title on Saturday, taking the first track gold of the championships in a tactical race that came down to a fierce final lap.
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Beatrice Chebet, the world record holder over both 5,000m and 10,000m, crossed the line in 30:37.61 to beat Italy’s Nadia Battocletti and Ethiopia’s defending champion Gudaf Tsegay.
“It was a tough, very tactical race, but I ran the last 800 metres really hard. I have never won a gold at the world championships so I was sure I had to get it. That was running in my mind during the race. This title means a lot to me and hope it will motivate young athletes out there.” – Chebet said.
From the start, the 25-lap race unfolded slowly and smartly, with runners conserving energy in sultry conditions at a packed National Stadium.
Beatrice Chebet moved to the front with 14 laps remaining and kept the pace under control, then eased for team-mate Agnes Ngetich at the halfway mark.
When the leading group whittled down, it became clear the title would be decided by speed and courage in the final kilometres.
With five laps to go the field was still tight. Tsegay pushed hard with about 1,000m remaining and led into the bell, but Chebet had the final kick.
At 150m she surged, drawing Battocletti with her, and powered down the straight to take the win.
“Tsegay pushed a lot and I had to keep going,” – said Chebet.
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“I ran 1,500m in the Diamond League meet in Silesia, so my mind was like I was at the 1500m race. I had to push and follow, and motivate myself, but I wanted that gold medal so much.” – she added.
Italy’s Battocletti set a national record of 30:38.23 for silver, while Tsegay finished third in 30:39.65.
The result underlines the depth of distance running and the fine margins that separate victory from defeat.
Beatrice Chebet’s win follows her double at last year’s Paris Olympics, where she also took both 5,000m and 10,000m.
However, after a long season she indicated she will not attempt the rarely achieved world 5,000m-10,000m double in Tokyo.
“The season has been long so we are going to close the season and go for holiday,” – she concluded.
This title adds to Kenya’s proud history in the long races and gives Beatrice Chebet fresh momentum as she plans her next season.
