by Larry Eder
Last year, at the 49th NIKE Pre Classic, Beatrice Chebet took on Gudaf Tsegay over 25 laps. The 10,000 meter World record was broken, as Beatrice Chebet took the 10,000m, breaking 29 minutes for the 10,000m last year, finishing in 28:54.14, with Gudaf Tsegay running second in 29:05.92. Beatrice Chebet blew the minds of many track fans with her finish, and she was faster at 28:54.14 than Emil Zatopek, when he set the WR on June 1, 1954 of 28:54.2!
Well, at the 50th NIKE Pre Classic, Beatrice Chebet became the first women under 14 minutes, again a huge feet for women’s distance running.
Beatrice Chebet has cemented her name as one of the finest long distance racers for women of all times. Her racing is characterized by a strong pace over the first half of the face, and then, the double Paris Olympic winner at 10,000m and 5,000m starts to bring down the proverbial hammer.
In this 5,000 meters, Beatrice had company until very late in the race!
The first kilometer was hit in 2:47.07, lead by pacer Klaudia Kazimerka of Poland. The 2,000 meter mark, hit in 5:35.37 by Dorcas Ewoi (Kenya). From the very start Beatrice Chebet, Gudaf Tsegay and Agnes Jebet Ngetich. These three were seperated by 3,000 meters as the trio hit 8:22.96, lead by Beatrice Chebet, with Tsegay and Ngetich in close attendance. It should be noted that the 3,000m time set a meet record for the distance at Hayward Field.
An observer of the Kenyan Chebet would note that Beatrice is running deep within herself, as if in medication. Her focus is close, as she runs one lap after another, getting closer to her goal. Gudaf Tsegay would not relinquish her position. Agnes Jebet Ngetich remained on Tsegay’s shoulder and one wondered if Ngetich would have anything left.
Beatrice Chebet hit the 4,000m mark in an astounding 11:14.12. Gudaf Tsegay and Agnes Ngetich would not let up.
It took a 61.9 last lap by Beatrice Chebet before she could break Tsegay, who was passed on the final stretch by a resurging Agnes Jebet Ngetich.
Beatrice Chebet broke 14 minutes with 13:58.06! For Chebet, World record, Meet record, National record, Personal best.
Agnes Ngetich Jebet ran 14:01.29, a PB with Gudaf Tsegay running a seasonal best of 14:04.41!
In the interview by Diamond League AG, Beatrice Chebet was cognizant of the imporance of her run and how long she had trained for the effort:
“After running in Rome, I say I have to prepare for a record because in Rome I was just running to win a race, but, uh, after running 14:03, I say I’m capable of running a world record. So let me go back home, and come to Eugene. So when I was coming here to Eugene, I was coming to prepare to run a world record, so I say I have to try…I say if Faith is trying, why not me? So I say I have to go and try and see. And today I’m so happy because I’ve achieved and being the first woman to run. I’m so happy for myself. I mean, you said it yourself, seeing faith. Make a big goal and try to do something no one has ever done before. Hayward Field is good for me.”
Beatrice Chebet now owns the 5,000m and 10,000m world records. One wonders how her competitors will challenge her in Tokyo!
