Beatrice Chebet throws down gauntlet with Police X-Country dominance

The 10,000m world record holder led from gun to tape to clinch victory in the women's 2km loop with a time of 5 minutes 54.1 seconds to get off 2025 to a flying start.

She edged out Eastern Region’s Caroline Nyaga, who clocked 6:14.5 and Winfred Mbithe, who followed closely in 6:18.6 to round up the podium.

Chebet established herself as one of the sport's biggest stars in 2024, smashing the 10,000m world record at May's Prefontaine Classic in Eugene and Paris Olympics' double in 10,000m and 5000m.

The multiple world cross country champion then ended the year on a high as she smashed her own 5km road world record at the Cursa dels Nassos road race in Barcelona on December 31.

Her historic feat of 13minutes 54 seconds in the Spanish city saw her become the first woman to break the 14-minute barrier.

Chebet Tokyo target

Chebet remains laser-focused on her ultimate goal of clinching double victories in 5000m and 10,000m at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.

She won silver in the 5000m at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Chebet, with a time of 14:46.75 behind Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay before she settled for a bronze at the Budapest edition in 2023.

“Having previously won bronze and silver at the World Championships, my main aim this season is to finally secure the title in Tokyo,” said Chebet.

When asked about her record-breaking ambitions, the 24-year-old remarked, “I don’t have a specific plan to chase records; it depends on the race conditions and how my body responds.”

Her next stop is Mumbai, India where she will compete at the inaugural SFC Global 10K road race scheduled for February 16.

In the men’s 10km senior race, World 10,000m silver medallist Daniel Ebenyo emerged victorious in 29 minutes 51.6 seconds ahead of Naibei Kiplimo (29:53.6) and Robert Kiprop (30:03.2).

Ebenyo, who narrowly missed a chance to represent Kenya at the Paris Olympics despite his strong credentials, revealed his aspirations to run for Kenya at the 2025 Tokyo World Championships.

“Tomorrow is not promised, but I’m determined to represent my country again, this time in the marathon,” said Ebenyo.

Despite his disappointment in missing out on the Paris Olympics, he added, “I have forgiven those involved and moved on.”

In the women’s 10km senior race, Istanbul Half Marathon champion Sheila Chelangat clocked 33:50.3 to claim the title, beating Susan Chebet (34:01.1) and veteran Linet Masai (34:17.6).

Chelangat, who placed second at the 2025 Makao Bridge Half Marathon in Hong Kong, plans to use her strong form to secure a spot in Team Kenya for the World Road Running Championships in San Diego later in September.

“I feel my shape is returning after a maternity break. My focus is now on road racing, with a potential marathon debut next year,” Chelangat said.

Africa 1500m champion Abel Kipsang dominated the men’s 2km loop race, clocking 5:24.1 to beat Olympic bronze medalist Abraham Kibiwot (5:28.0) and Duncan Rotich (5:29.5).