Beatrice Chepkoech at the 2024 Paris Olympics/ HANDOUT World 3,000m steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech will burst back into action on April 26 at the Bengaluru 10K, marking her return from a long layoff that saw her out for the whole of the 2025 season.
Chepkoech remains one of Kenya’s most decorated water-and-barrier specialists, a trailblazer whose dominance has delivered a glittering haul of global silverware.
Her trophy cabinet gleams with gold from the 2019 World Championships and the 2024 African Games, alongside a silver at the 2023 World Championships. However, towering above her accolades is the iconic world record run of 8:44.32 at the 2018 Monaco Diamond League.
The 35-year-old was largely grounded last year, her absence leaving a noticeable void in the steeplechase ranks. Now, she re-emerges, not over barriers, but on the roads.
Chepkoech is no stranger to 10km racing.
Her road resume includes victories at Port Gentil (32:13) in 2023 and Hem (32:35) in 2014, along with podium finishes at Stadskanaal (second, 33:22) and Hamburg (third, 33:05), both in 2014.
She also owns a 5km victory from Monaco in 2021, where she clocked 14:43. But Bengaluru presents a stern examination.
Awaiting her is an in-form defending champion, Lilian Kasait, who has stormed into the 2026 season in scintillating fashion. Kasait opened her campaign with a commanding victory at the Daegu Marathon on February 22, slicing through the tape in 2:19:35.
She returns to familiar territory, where she triumphed in 2024 with a 30:56 finish, fending off Ethiopia’s Lemlem Hailu and Abersh Minsewo, who both clocked 31:23.
Despite her recent exploits, Kasait’s experience over the 10km remains relatively young, with just three appearances, all in 2024. Those outings yielded third-place finishes in Hong Kong (31:12) and Valencia (29:32), in addition to her Bengaluru triumph.
The Kenyan charge does not end there, also includes 2023 African 10,000m champion Janeth Chepng'etich, who enters the fray fresh from a runner-up finish at the Lisbon Half Marathon (1:06:50), while Brenda Jepchirchir will be keen to extend her red-hot streak after back-to-back 10km victories in Valencia (29:25) and Gqeberha (30:15).
Kenya’s depth is further underlined by a formidable supporting cast that includes Clare Ndiwa, Jesca Chelangat, Cintiw Chepng’eno, Christine Njoki and Veronica Loleo.
They will, however, have their work cut out for them as they seek to fend off regional rivals, including Uganda’s Sarah Chelangat, the Hong Kong Half Marathon champion, alongside Ethiopia’s Fantaye Belayneh, the Boston Half Marathon champion.
In the men’s race, Vincent Kipkorir leads the Kenyan assault fresh off victory at the Malaga Half Marathon.
Gilbert Kiprotich, Victor Kipruto, Vincent Kimaiyo and Vincent Ngetich will join him.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!