World champions Mary Moraa and Beatrice Chebet are gearing up for an electrifying Prefontaine Classic in Eugene on Saturday, May 25, 2024.
Athletics Kenya will use this event to finalize its men’s and women’s Olympic 10,000m qualifiers.
Chebet, a two-time world cross-country champion and current world leader at 5000m, will face off against world champion Gudaf Tsegay of Ethiopia in what promises to be a highly competitive race.
Chebet’s focus will be on maintaining her dominance in the steeplechase, where she will challenge top contender Faith Cherotich. Chepkoech and Cherotich, both boasting impressive performances this year, are expected to deliver a thrilling showdown.
The absence of Olympic silver medallist Courtney Frerichs due to injury presents an opportunity for Chepkoech and Cherotich to shine even brighter.
In the 1500m event, Diribe Welteji leads a strong field of competitors, including world indoor 3000m champion Elle St Pierre, Laura Muir, Nikki Hiltz, and others.
The 5000m race is also anticipated to be intense, with world and Olympic gold medallist Sifan Hassan and world number two Ejgayehu Taye among the contenders.
Moraa, the reigning women’s 800m champion, will face tough competition from six of the eight finalists from last year’s World Championships.
While silver medallist Keely Hodgkinson poses a significant challenge, the absence of bronze medallist Athing Mu, the Olympic champion, due to injury, creates an opportunity for Moraa to showcase her skills on the track.
