Beatrice Chebet of Kenya became the first woman to run 10,000m in under 29 minutes when she crossed the line in 28:54.14 at the Prefontaine Classic meet in Eugene, Oregon.
The previous record was 29:01.03, set by Letesenbet Gidey of Ethiopia in the Netherlands in 2021.
Chebet pulled away with three laps remaining and finished over ten seconds ahead of Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay. In third was Kenyan Lilian Kasait Rengeruk, who finished in 29:26.89.
Chebet commented, “I just want to thank my management, my coach, and everyone at home for their great support. I did very well because I see my body is responding good.”
The win also qualifies her for the Olympic 10,000m, which she’s targeting alongside the 5,000m. She won bronze in the latter event at last year’s World Athletics Championships.
“My target is to run 5,000 first, then 10,000 come second,” said the 24-year-old.
“Because this is my first 10,000 outside the country to run, and I’m so happy to run 28, a world record.”