Beatrice Chebet of Kenya runs a world record in the women's 10,000 at the Pre Classic

The goal for Beatrice Chebet going into the women’s 10,000 meters was to make the Kenyan Olympic team.

Then Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay sent out word last week that she was going to attempt to set a world record at the Prefontaine Classic Track & Field meet for the second time in eighth months.

Chebet not only earned her way to the Summer Games in Paris, she capitalized on Tsegay’s fast pace to set the world record herself.

Chebet, in her first 10,000 since 2020, crossed the Hayward Field finish line in 28 minutes, 54.14 seconds on Saturday to break the previous world record of 29:01.03 set by Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Gidey in 2021.

“I did not plan for it,” said Chebet, whose previous best was 33:29.70. “I say because Gudaf requested a world record, let me go with her and see how my body responded, and the body responded well then I decided to go.”

Tsegay finished second in a personal-record 29:05.92.

“Yes my target is I try for world record but I am so happy,” Tsegay said. “ … Congratulations to Chebet. It was a very fast time.”

Tsegay set the world, meet and Diamond League record in the 5,000 at the Pre Classic last September when she ran 14:00.21. Chebet finished second in that race in 14:05.92.

The two friendly rivals embraced after Saturday’s race.

“She was happy and she told me, ‘You are the best, you are strong,’” Chebet said.

The women’s and men’s 10,000s doubled as the Athletics Kenya Olympic qualifier, with the top three Kenyan finishers making the team.

Besides Chebet, the women’s qualifiers were Lilian Kasait Rengeruk, who finished third overall in a PR 29:26.89. Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi was fourth overall in a PR 29:27.59.

“For me I’m happy for the first time to be on an Olympic team,” said Chebet, 24. “I know with good health and hard work I am going to medal at the Olympics.”

The men’s race was won by Daniel Mateiko in a world-leading and PR 26:50.81.

He narrowly edged out Nicholas Kipkorir, who was second in 26:50.94. Benard Kibet was third in 26:51.09 to round out the Olympic qualifiers.

“This is actually a big motivation for me,” Mateiko said. “Actually, now I see myself in another level and I'm hungry for more. It's all about the confidence that I have, I believe in myself that I can do it that is why I was able to stay with the the light until then.”

Follow Chris Hansen on X @chansen_RG or email at chansen@registerguard.com.

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Kenya's Beatrice Chebet sets world record in women's 10,000 at Pre Classic