Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet produced one of the greatest 5000m performances in history on Friday night at the Rome Diamond League, clocking 14:03.69 — a national record, meet record, and world lead that stands as the second-fastest time ever run in the event.
Chebet narrowly missed the women’s 5000m world record by three seconds. Only Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay’s 14:00.21 world record lies ahead of the 25-year-old Kenyan, who dominated from start to finish, running a fearless solo effort after the pacemaker dropped out around the 2000m mark.
“I just said, let me run my own race,” Chebet told reporters after the race. “I felt the body was in good shape, so I wanted to see how far I could go when I push alone. Our target was 14:15, but after running 14:03 — a personal best and a meeting record — I’m so impressed. I see the world record is possible, and I’m going to plan for it.”
Chebet, the reigning Olympic 5000m and 10,000m champion, came into the race in formidable form, having recently set an African 3000m record of 8:11.56 in Rabat, the second-fastest ever time in that discipline.
On Friday, she stretched the field with her bold pace, breaking away on her own and forcing others to chase. Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu clocked a lifetime best of 14:19.33 to finish second, while Italy’s Nadia Battocletti thrilled the home crowd with a national record of 14:23.15 for third.
World record holder Gudaf Tsegay, whom Chebet also beat at the Xiamen Diamond League earlier this year, faded to fifth in 14:24.86.
Chebet acknowledged her role in elevating the entire field:
“After the pacemaker dropped, I pushed — and I helped the others too. Some achieved national records and personal bests. I’m so happy to see everyone achieving the best performance today in Rome.”
In a gracious display of sportsmanship, Chebet waited at the finish line to cheer and congratulate her competitors.
“We are one — running together is like teamwork. Without them, I cannot achieve this. To finish a race is something important, and when you win, you have to congratulate others — because tomorrow, it might be their turn to win.”
Chebet’s next target? The world record.
“After running 14:03 today and 8:11 for 3000m in Rabat, I see I’m capable. I’ll go back home and prepare. It’s not far — I’m going for it soon.”
Results – Rome Diamond League women’s 5000m, 6 June 2025
- Beatrice Chebet (KEN) 14:03.69 NR WL
- Freweyni Hailu (ETH) 14:19.33
- Nadia Battocletti (ITA) 14:23.15 NR
- Birke Haylom (ETH) 14:24.20
- Gudaf Tsegay (ETH) 14:24.86
- Josette Andrews (USA) 14:25.37
- Chaltu Dida (ETH) 14:27.11
- Aleshign Baweke (ETH) 14:27.33
