The Stars Who Shined on the Global Stage

From world records to top-five finishes, these runners carried Kenya’s flag with pride and power

In 2025, Kenyan athletes have once again proven their dominance in global athletics, not just by participating—but by rewriting history. From Diamond League circuits to international road races, several runners have either broken world or continental records or placed in the top five of major competitions. Here’s a roundup of the standout performers who made headlines this year.

1. Beatrice Chebet – Queen of the Track

5000m World Record: On July 5, 2025, at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, USA, Chebet became the first woman to run under 14 minutes, clocking 13:58.06, breaking Gudaf Tsegay’s 2023 record2
3000m African Record: Earlier in the season, she ran 8:11.56 at the Rabat Diamond League, setting a new continental record
Top Finishes: Multiple podiums across Diamond League events, securing her spot for the World Championships in Tokyo

2. Agnes Jebet Ngetich – Road Warrior

10km Women-Only World Record: On April 26, 2025, in Germany, Ngetich ran 29:27, becoming the first woman to break the sub-30 barrier in a women-only 10km race
5000m Track: Finished second behind Chebet in Eugene with 14:01.29, the third-fastest time in history
Team Kenya Selection: Confirmed for Tokyo 2025 in both 5000m and 10,000m

3. Faith Kipyegon – Middle-Distance Icon

1500m World Record: On July 5, 2025, she lowered her own record to 3:48.68 at the Eugene Diamond League
Mile Attempt: Ran 4:00.12 in Paris on June 26, narrowly missing the sub-4 barrier
Tokyo 2025: Set to defend her title in the 1500m and possibly double in the 5000m

4. Ferdinand Omanyala – Sprinting Beast

150m African Record: Clocked 14.70 seconds at the Adidas Atlanta City Games in the USA
100m Performance: Finished second at the Rabat Diamond League with 10.05 seconds, behind South Africa’s Akani Simbine
Continental Impact: Continues to push Kenya’s presence in short sprints

5. Edwin Kurgat – Long-Distance Debutant

10,000m: Placed 4th at the Eugene Diamond League with 26:46.35, leading Kenya’s men’s team for Tokyo
Team Kenya: Selected alongside Ishmael Rokitto Kipkurui and Benson Kiplangat

6. Ishmael Rokitto Kipkurui – Rising Star

10,000m: Finished 5th at Eugene with 26:47.72, securing his place in Kenya’s World Championships squad

7. Margaret Akidor – Consistent Contender

5000m: Took 4th place at Eugene, joining Chebet and Ngetich in the women’s long-distance team for Tokyo

Conclusion

From Faith Kipyegon’s elegant dominance to Beatrice Chebet’s explosive breakthroughs, Kenya’s 2025 athletics campaign is already historic. These athletes haven’t just placed—they’ve redefined what’s possible. As the world turns its eyes to Tokyo this September, Kenya’s record-breakers are poised to deliver more magic.