Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet secured her maiden world title in the women’s 10,000 metres at the 2025 World Athletics Championships on Saturday, clocking 30:37.61 in a thrilling, tactical final.

The 25-year-old world record holder made her move shortly after the 4,000m mark, pulling away alongside compatriot Agnes Jebet Ngetich, Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay and Fotyen Tesfay, and Italy’s Nadia Battocletti.

Although defending champion Tsegay surged to the front after the 9,200m split, Chebet responded with a powerful kick, outpacing her rivals in the final lap to seal gold.

Battocletti, the silver medallist at the Paris Olympics, claimed second place in 30:38.23, setting a new Italian national record. Tsegay settled for bronze in 30:39.65, her season’s best.

Beatrice Chebet crosses the finish line during the final

"It was a tough, very tactical race, but I ran the last 800m really hard," said Chebet after the race. "Tsegay pushed a lot, and I had to keep going."

"I wanted that gold medal so much. I have never won gold at the world championships, so I knew I had to get it. That was running in my mind during the race."

Looking ahead, Chebet hinted at a potential transition in the years to come: “Maybe after Los Angeles [2028 Olympics], I will try the marathon. But for now, I am staying on the track.”