Kipyegon begins new journey beyond 1500m in Shanghai
Gold medallist Kenya's Faith Kipyegon celebrates after competing in the women's 1500m final of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on August 10, 2024. (Photo by Jewel SAMAD / AFP)
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The multiple world champion will headline the non-Diamond League women’s 5000m, a race that has been included as an additional event and will not carry Diamond League points, but one that could offer an important glimpse into the next phase of her glittering career.
Speaking during the pre-race press conference in Keqiao, Kipyegon openly admitted she is slowly exploring longer distances after years of dominating the 1500m.
“There's no World Championships or Olympics. But it's all about being consistent every year and to look what I still have in the tank on the track,” said Kipyegon.
“Hopefully to move, you know, I'm moving slowly now. I'm doing the 5,000. I don't know what's next.”
The comments are likely to fuel growing speculation that the Kenyan superstar could eventually transition fully into road racing and possibly marathon competition in the coming years.
For now, however, Kipyegon insists the focus remains on building rhythm and assessing her condition at the start of the outdoor campaign.
“But for the start of the season, it's only to see how the body is and to see how going towards the finals of the Diamond League. So this is the journey,” she said.
The strategy closely mirrors her hugely successful 2023 season when she used early races to build momentum before going on to break multiple world records in the 1500m, mile and 5000m later that summer.
Kipyegon appeared relaxed and energized ahead of her return, even expressing admiration for the China Textile City Sports Center, which will host the first Diamond League meeting of the season.
“Yeah, I'm happy to be here. This is my first time in this stadium and yesterday when I entered in, it was surprising to see a stadium which can be covered when the rain is there,” she said.
“I feel so good, and I hope the best tomorrow. Especially running in a beautiful stadium like this gives you morale and a good thought that anything can be possible tomorrow.”
The women’s 5000m field will feature fellow Kenyans Margret Akidor, Maurine Chebor and Caroline Nyaga alongside Ethiopian challengers Medina Eisa, Marta Alemayo and Hirut Meshesha.
With fellow Kenyan star Beatrice Chebet currently away from competition as she transitions into motherhood, Kipyegon now carries the responsibility of leading Kenya’s charge on the global middle and long-distance stage this season.
Her 2026 schedule is expected to continue with appearances at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene before another expected outing at the Monaco Diamond League on July 10.
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