Athletics Kenya (AK) is pleased to announce that it will use this year’s Prefontaine Classic — part of the Eugene Diamond League — as the official selection event for the men’s 10,000m and women’s 5000m teams heading to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
The Prefontaine Classic is scheduled for July 5 at Hayward Field, University of Oregon, in the United States.
Kenya shares a proud legacy with this prestigious event, which has witnessed numerous record-breaking performances by our athletes over the years. In 2011, Moses Mosop made history by setting world records in both the 25,000m (1:12:25.4) and 30,000m (1:26:47.4) at this very meet.
At last year’s edition, Beatrice Chebet stunned the world by setting a new 10,000m world record of 28:54.14, securing her spot for the Paris Olympic Games — where she later claimed double gold in the 5000m and 10,000m. She was joined in Paris by Lilian Kasait (third in 29:26.89) and Margaret Chelimo (fourth in 29:27.59).
In the men’s 10,000m, Daniel Mateiko (26:50.81), Nicholas Kipkorir (26:50.94), and Bernard Kibet (26:51.09) booked their Olympic tickets by finishing in the top three.
Building on these exceptional performances, AK is confident this year’s trials will be just as fiercely competitive and will yield a formidable team capable of dominating the podium in Tokyo.
We are deeply grateful to the organizers of the Prefontaine Classic for once again providing a world-class platform and facilities for our selection process.
Meanwhile, trials for the men’s 5000m and women’s 10,000m teams will be held at a separate, yet-to-be-confirmed venue.
