Kenya’s Chebet sets 10,000-meter world record

Beatrice Chebet of Kenya set a world record in the 10,000 meters at the Prefontaine Classic meet Saturday, finishing in 28 minutes, 54.14 seconds.

Chebet bested the previous record of 29:01.03 set by Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey at FBK Stadium in the Netherlands on June 8, 2021.

“I just want to thank my management, my coach and everyone at home for their great support,” Chebet said. “I did very well because I see my body was responding good.”

Chebet finished ahead of Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia, who finished in 29:05.92 in cloudy and cool temperatures at Eugene’s Hayward Field. The win qualified Chebet to compete in the 10,000 meters at this year’s Paris Olympics.

Kenya’s Lilian Kasait Rengeruk took third in 29:26.89.

The 24-year-old Chebet won the silver medal in the 5,000 meters at the world championships at Hayward Field in 2022. She won the bronze in the event at the worlds last year in Budapest.

The Prefontaine Classic is the lone American stop on the international Diamond League series.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.