Kenya’s path to the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo reaches a high-stakes climax this Saturday as the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, doubles up as national trials for the women’s 5,000m and men’s 10,000m. With global glory on the line, elite athletes are set to battle it out on American soil for a ticket to Tokyo.
Highlights:
- The Prefontaine Classic in Eugene will serve as Kenya’s national trials
- Women’s 5,000m features world record-holder Beatrice Chebet and Agnes Ng’etich
- Stanley Waithaka and Nicholas Kipkorir headline the men’s 10,000m
- Top two athletes in each event will earn automatic qualification for Tokyo
- Concerns raised over holding trials overseas
Main Story:
This Saturday, Hayward Field in Eugene will host more than just a Diamond League meet — it becomes the proving ground for Kenya’s long-distance elite. For the women’s 5,000m and men’s 10,000m events, the Prefontaine Classic will act as official trials for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
Athletics Kenya confirmed the move, aiming to provide high-quality competition and conditions ideal for top performances.
In the women’s 5,000m, all eyes are on world record holder Beatrice Chebet, who’s unbeaten in 2025. She’ll go head-to-head with road race standout Agnes Ng’etich, fresh off her world record-breaking 10K run in Germany. The field also features strong contenders like Caroline Nyaga, Margaret Akidor, and Janeth Chepngetich.
Chebet, who took silver in Budapest and Paris, is hungry for gold in Tokyo.
Kenya’s men’s 10,000m field is stacked. Stanley Waithaka, Nicholas Kipkorir, and Ishmael Kipkurui Rokitto — fresh from an NCAA title — will clash with seasoned athletes like Vincent Langat and Benson Kiplangat. The race promises drama, especially with Ethiopia’s Olympic champion Selemon Barega also in the mix.
Only the top two finishers in each event will automatically book their spots to Tokyo, with a third athlete to be selected later by Athletics Kenya based on performance.
Some Kenyan athletes have expressed concern about holding trials overseas, citing short notice, visa challenges, and limited inclusion. Despite the criticism, Athletics Kenya insists Eugene offers the best track and competitive field to test elite form.
With Tokyo just weeks away, Kenya’s long-distance stars now face one final test — and it’s 13,000 kilometres from home.
