The 50th edition of the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, will be remembered as a landmark moment in athletics. Kenyan stars Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon electrified Hayward Field, each shattering a world record in front of a roaring crowd. Their performances not only redefined the limits of women’s distance running but also inspired a new generation of fans and athletes.
A Night of Records and Inspiration
Eugene’s Hayward Field Sets the Stage
With nearly every seat filled, the atmosphere at Hayward Field was electric. The Prefontaine Classic, a staple of the Diamond League, has long been a proving ground for the world’s best—and this year, it delivered beyond expectations.
Beatrice Chebet: First Woman Under 14 Minutes in 5000m
Chebet’s Historic Run
Beatrice Chebet, already an Olympic champion, made history by becoming the first woman ever to run the 5000 meters in under 14 minutes. She crossed the finish line in a stunning 13:58.06, obliterating the previous world record of 14:00.21 set by Gudaf Tsegay in 2023.
Key Moments from Chebet’s Race
- Followed a blistering early pace set by pacemakers.
- Maintained composure as rivals Gudaf Tsegay and Agnes Jebet Ngetich tried to challenge.
- Accelerated over the final laps, dropping the field and surging into the record books.
Chebet’s feat is even more remarkable considering the depth of talent in the race and the pressure of the Kenyan trials for the upcoming World Championships.
What Chebet’s Record Means
- She is now the first woman to break the 14-minute barrier for 5000m.
- Cemented her status as one of the greatest distance runners of her era.
- Raised the bar for women’s distance running worldwide.
Faith Kipyegon: 1500m World Record—Again
Kipyegon’s Unstoppable Streak
Faith Kipyegon, already a legend with three Olympic titles, delivered another masterpiece in the women’s 1500 meters. She clocked an astonishing 3:48.68, breaking her own world record of 3:49.04 set just a year earlier.
Highlights from Kipyegon’s Performance
- Took command of the race from the start, setting a relentless pace.
- Pulled away from a world-class field, with Diribe Welteji (3:51.44) and Jessica Hull (3:52.67) trailing behind.
- Crossed the finish line to a standing ovation, wrapped herself in the Kenyan flag, and celebrated with fans.
Kipyegon’s achievement is a testament to her consistency and drive. She continues to inspire with her humility, stating, “The ladies are pushing me too because they are running quick now and I’m happy that when I broke a world record, they are all running very fast, and that is what I wanted, to motivate the younger generation to come and do even better”.
The Legacy of Kipyegon’s Record
- First woman to run under 3:49 in the 1500m.
- Extends her dominance at the distance, with three World Championship titles and multiple Olympic golds.
- Inspires a new wave of middle-distance runners globally.
The Prefontaine Classic: More Than Just Records
Why This Meet Matters
- The Prefontaine Classic is the only U.S. stop on the Diamond League circuit.
- Attracts the world’s best athletes and consistently produces historic performances.
- This year’s edition celebrated its 50th anniversary with a meet for the ages.
Other Notable Moments
- The stands were packed with fans, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
- Multiple national and stadium records were set across various events.
- The meet doubled as a crucial selection trial for Kenyan athletes ahead of the World Championships.
FAQs: Chebet & Kipyegon at the 2025 Prefontaine Classic
1. What world records were broken at the 2025 Prefontaine Classic?
Beatrice Chebet set a new women’s 5000m world record (13:58.06), and Faith Kipyegon broke her own 1500m world record (3:48.68).
2. Who is Beatrice Chebet?
Beatrice Chebet is a Kenyan distance runner, Olympic champion, and now the first woman in history to run the 5000m in under 14 minutes.
3. How many times has Faith Kipyegon broken the 1500m world record?
Faith Kipyegon has now broken the 1500m world record twice, most recently at the 2025 Prefontaine Classic with a time of 3:48.68.
4. Why is the Prefontaine Classic significant for athletes?
It is a premier Diamond League meet, often featuring world record attempts and serving as a selection trial for major championships.
5. Who finished second in the women’s 1500m and 5000m races?
Diribe Welteji was second in the 1500m (3:51.44), and Gudaf Tsegay was runner-up in the 5000m.
Conclusion
The 2025 Prefontaine Classic will go down in history as the night Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon redefined excellence in women’s distance running. Their world record performances not only thrilled fans in Eugene but also sent shockwaves through the global athletics community. As the Diamond League season continues, all eyes will be on these two Kenyan superstars—each proving that the limits of human achievement are meant to be broken.
