Athletics Kenya will finalize its selection for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday, July 5. The meet will serve as trials for the women’s 5,000m and men’s 10,000m.
All eyes will be on Beatrice Chebet, the double Olympic champion, as she battles 10,000m world record holder Agnes Jebet Ngétich for a spot in the Tokyo-bound 5,000m squad. Chebet, who finished second to Faith Kipyegon at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, has dominated the Diamond League circuit this season with three wins.
“This race is about booking that ticket to Tokyo. I’m ready,” Chebet said ahead of the showdown.
Chebet will face a formidable lineup including Caroline Nyaga, Margaret Akidor, Janeth Chepngetich, Hellen Ekalale, Caroline Kariba, Sarah Wanjiru, and Maurine Chebor. The top three finishers will join defending world champion Faith Kipyegon on the final team.
The men’s 10,000m will also feature a competitive field. Stanley Waithaka Mburu, silver medalist in 2022, will lead the charge against Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli, Benson Kiplangat, Richard Etir, Ishmael Rokitto, Mathew Kipruto, Mathew Kipsang, Robert Kiprop, Edwin Kurgat, Samwel Chebolei, and Gideon Rono.
Kenya has not won gold in the men’s 10,000m at a World Championship since Charles Kamathi’s triumph in 2001. He followed legends Paul Kipkoech and Moses Tanui, who claimed gold in 1987 and 1991, respectively.
The trials mark a return to a venue rich with history for Chebet. It was at Eugene where she clocked 28:54.14 in the 10,000m, becoming the first woman to break the 29-minute barrier, earning her a spot at the Paris Olympics.
Kenyan athletes departed for the U.S. earlier this week to acclimate and prepare. Athletics Kenya will name its final squad following the Eugene trials.
