With a performance that cemented her legacy as the greatest women’s middle-distance runner, Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon delivered a jaw-dropping world record of 3:48.68 in the women’s 1500m at the 50th Prefontaine Classic, hosted at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
Key Highlights
- Unstoppable pace: After an impressive early-season sub-4 minute mile attempt in Paris, Kipyegon regrouped in Eugene. She tracked her pacemakers to perfection, exploding in the final 300 m—covering it in about 44 seconds—and slicing 0.36 seconds off her previous world record of 3:49.04 established in Paris last year
- Dominating field: Ethiopian Diribe Welteji (3:51.44) and Australia’s Jessica Hull (3:52.67) followed, but neither could match her final-lap surge
- Redemption moment: This came just eight days after Kipyegon’s Paris mile disappointment; what seemed like a letdown turned into one of the greatest comebacks in track history .
Kenyan Double Delight
The day doubled as a historic triumph for Kenya:
- Beatrice Chebet became the first woman to run the 5,000m in under 14 minutes, clocking 13:58.06, breaking the previous world record of 14:00.21
Together, these milestone performances turned Eugene into the epicenter of women’s middle- and long-distance running
Why It Matters
- Historic progression: Kipyegon now holds the 1500m world record, and Chebet’s 5K feat adds further proof of Kenya’s dominance in women’s distance events this season
- Pacing strategy in focus: The well-executed pacing, with first laps at 61-second splits, set up both runners for their explosive finishes .
- Fuel for future events: Both athletes are poised to battle again at the World Championships in Tokyo this September, making this an early-season spectacle with lasting implications.
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Summary Table
| Event | Athlete | Record Time | Record Set | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1500m | Faith Kipyegon (KEN) | 3:48.68 | 5 Jul 2025 | New world record, sub‑3:49 |
| 5000m | Beatrice Chebet (KEN) | 13:58.06 | 5 Jul 2025 | First woman under 14 min, world record |
Athlete’s Perspective
Kipyegon reflected on her Paris setback saying the strong field in Eugene “motivated me—when I broke a world record, they were also running fast, and that’s what I want—to push the next generation.”
The Legacy Continues
On the 50th Prefontaine Classic anniversary, Faith Kipyegon breaks 1500m world record didn’t just rewrite the record books—it fashioned a narrative of resilience and brilliance. As summer racing heats up, all eyes are on Tokyo, where these champions are sure to dazzle again.
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