OFFICIAL: Kenya's Beatrice Chepkoech breaks 5km world record in Monaco

Kenya's Beatrice Chepkoech celebrates after winning in the Women's 3000m Steeplechase final at the 2019 IAAF Athletics World Championships at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on September 30, 2019. [Photo by MUSTAFA ABUMUNES / AFP]

Kenya’s Beatrice Chepkoech broke the 5 kilometres world record clocking 14:43 at the Monaco Run on Sunday.

A spirited Chepkoech overcame harsh weather conditions in Monaco with assistance from her pacemaker Luuk Maas from the Netherlands.

"I'm so happy because I didn't expect it. It was cold and there was a lot of wind, but I tried to follow my pacemaker and everything was perfect.

"In the end, my pacemaker told me 'we can do it, let's push it'. I'm really happy with this world record,” Chepkoech told journalists after the race.

The 29-year-old Kenyan star holds the world record in the 3,000 metres steeplechase category.

Chepkoech said in the past that she would be happy to win an Olympic gold medal, a dream that could come true later this year in Tokyo, Japan.

Beatrice Chepkoech in Monaco on Sunday 14, 2021. [Photo: World Athletics]

In-form Uganda's Joshua Cheptegei, the 10,000 metres world champion, won the men's race in a time of 13 minutes and 14 seconds.

By AFP 1 hr ago
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