Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet smashes her own 5,000m women’s world record
3 min readKenya’s Beatrice Chebet made history on Tuesday, breaking her own women’s 5,000m road world record during the Cursa dels Nassos race in Barcelona, Spain. The 24-year-old athlete, who had an exceptional year in 2024, capped it off by achieving a milestone that saw her clock a time of 13:54, becoming the first woman ever to run the 5,000m in under 14 minutes on both the track and the road.
Chebet’s new record bests her previous 5,000m road record of 14:13, which she had set during the same race in 2023. Reflecting on her performance, Chebet expressed her joy, saying, “I’m super happy as everything went according to plan. I felt capable of running under 14, and I managed to do so.” She added, “Two races in Barcelona and two world records, can I ask for more?”
Her remarkable achievement comes after a series of dominating performances in 2024. Not only did Chebet smash the road 5,000m record, but her year also included a double Olympic gold performance in Paris 2024, where she claimed the top spot in both the 5,000m and 10,000m races. Furthermore, Chebet had already set a new women’s world record for the 10,000m in May, further solidifying her position as one of the world’s greatest distance runners.
The Cursa dels Nassos race provided the perfect conditions for Chebet to deliver her best performance, with ideal weather helping to push her to new limits. Running alongside male athletes, Chebet finished 14th overall, sprinting across the finish line before joining fellow runners in celebration of her achievement.
This latest world record serves as the cherry on top of what has been a groundbreaking year for Chebet. “My focus for next year is to win gold medals over 5,000m and 10,000m at the World Championships in Tokyo,” Chebet shared, emphasizing her ambitious goals for the future.
Chebet’s achievement is still awaiting the usual ratification procedure by World Athletics, but her run in Barcelona further demonstrates her unparalleled talent and determination. The Kenyan athlete, known for her fierce competitiveness and consistent excellence, has firmly established herself as one of the best in her field.
The success of Chebet is not only a testament to her athleticism but also to the rigorous training and dedication she has displayed throughout the year. Having dominated the global distance running scene, Chebet’s impressive victories at the Olympics and her ability to set new records with each race have made her one of the most celebrated athletes in the world. Her efforts in Barcelona only add to her growing legacy.
The event in Spain was not only a personal achievement for Chebet but also a representation of Kenya’s dominance in long-distance running. Over the years, Kenyan athletes have consistently set world records and claimed top honors at the Olympics, and Chebet’s victory is a continuation of that proud tradition.
In a sport where records are often broken, Chebet’s accomplishments stand out. Her 13:54 run is not just a world record; it is a symbol of her relentless pursuit of excellence. For Chebet, the journey has only just begun, and as she sets her sights on the World Championships in Tokyo next year, the world will be watching to see what she achieves next.
As the world awaits the formal ratification of her record, Beatrice Chebet’s remarkable year continues to inspire athletes everywhere. Her success in Barcelona is a reminder that with determination, focus, and the right conditions, boundaries can be pushed, and records can be shattered. Chebet’s journey is one that promises to keep inspiring future generations of runners.
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