Faith Kipyegon Loses For First Time In 2023

She was upset by Ethiopia's Diribe Welteji who won the race in a new world record of 4:23.

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Oct 1, 2023 - 11:16 Updated: Oct 1, 2023 - 11:47
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Faith Kipyegon Loses For First Time In 2023
Faith Kipyegon poses after finishing third in the women’s mile at the World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia on October 1, 2023. /X

Kenyan athlete and two-time Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon has tasted her first defeat of 2023.

Following one of the greatest track campaigns in the history of athletics, Kipyegon lost the women’s mile in the inaugural World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia.

She was upset by Ethiopia's Diribe Welteji who won the race in a sprint finish, setting a new world record of 4:23.06.

Faith Kipyegon looks up after winning the women's 1500m semi-final at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. /AP

Welteji led an Ethiopian 1-2 finish, with Freweyni Hailu passing down Kipyegon close to the line for second. Kipyegon clocked 4:24.13, with Hailu coming second for silver in 4:24.13.

Before Sunday's race, the road mile's world record was held by American Nikki Hiltz, who achieved the world record after clocking 4:27 minutes in Des Moines, Iowa, United States on April 25. 

The tough and hugely successful season seemed to have taken a toll on Kipyegon and she was eyeing her fourth world record in what had been an undefeated season before today.

She seemed strong and led the pack for most of the race, her usual running style, but seemingly fatigue had caught down with her towards the finish line with about 45 seconds of running left.

She grimaced, constantly looking over her shoulder, something that was not quite usual of her.

With her face telling half the story, Welteji seemed to have caught the vibe that Kipyegon was struggling and made her stab, going on to win the race.

Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir also participated in the road mile event and she finished fourth. 

Kenya was sub-par in the 5-kilometre men's race with Hagos Gebrhiwet and Yomif Kejelcha all from Ethiopia bagging gold and silver respectively. 

Kenya Makes History In Women's 5KM Race

On the bright side, Kenya had earlier clinched gold and silver in the women's 5-kilometre race. 

Beatrice Chebet from Kenya became the first woman in history to win the 5-kilometre at the inaugural World Running Championship after she clocked 14:35 minutes.

Lilian Rengeruk also from Kenya bagged silver while the third position went to Ejgayehu Taye from Ethiopia. 

The World Road Running Championships in Riga, which attracted over 300 participants from various corners of the globe, also witnessed the participation of thousands of recreational runners. 

Kenya's Beatrice Chebet crosses the finish line after winning gold in the women's 5-kilometre race at the World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia on October 1, 2023. /WORLD ATHLETICS

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