Kenya celebrated a remarkable double triumph at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, as Beatrice Chebet and Peres Jepchirchir claimed gold in the 10,000m and marathon respectively.
The championships, running from September 13 to 21, 2025, have highlighted Kenyan dominance in long-distance running once again.
On Sunday, September 14, Peres Jepchirchir stormed to victory in the women’s marathon, crossing the finish line in 2:24:43.
She narrowly edged out Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa in the closing meters, showcasing her experience and resilience. Jepchirchir, who won the Olympic marathon in Tokyo in 2021, displayed remarkable endurance, maintaining a commanding performance in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
The celebrations began a day earlier when Beatrice Chebet captured gold in the 10,000m, finishing in 30:37.61. In a dramatic race, she outpaced Italy’s Nadia Batocletti, who set a new national record of 30:38.23, and Ethiopia’s reigning champion Gudaf Tsegay.
Chebet, already a two-time Olympic champion, added her first world track title to an ever-growing list of accolades, demonstrating her consistency and determination on the global stage.
These victories underscore Africa’s continued supremacy in long-distance and marathon events. Japan’s Ririka Hironaka, the home favourite in the 10,000m, finished sixth in front of a packed stadium, highlighting the high level of international competition.
Looking ahead, Chebet aims to secure a 5,000m/10,000m double at the championships, while Jepchirchir continues to cement her reputation as the queen of the world marathon. Together, their performances exemplify the talent, stamina, and strategic racing that have come to define Kenyan long-distance running on the world stage.
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