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Faith Kipyegon storms to world lead in women’s 5000M at Shanghai Diamond League
16th May, 2026 03:23 PM
Kenyan track legend Faith Kipyegon made a winning start to her season at the Shanghai Diamond League on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
The Kenyan, who previously held the 5,000m world record, clocked a world-leading time of 14:24.14 over 12.5 laps to secure victory. She endured fierce competition from Ethiopia’s Likina Amebaw, who claimed second place in 14:24.21, while her compatriot Senayet Getachew crossed the line third in 14:24.71 to complete the podium.
The fast-paced race saw spectacular times across the board. Uganda’s Charity Cherop set a new national record of 14:39.38, while ten participants set individual personal bests (PBs) and three ran season bests (SBs), underscoring the elite depth of the field.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Caroline Nyaga finished ninth, as Ethiopian runners dominated the second through eighth positions.
Longer races
The victory marks an emphatic, dream start to Kipyegon’s 2026 outdoor campaign. While she has already cemented herself as the greatest female 1,500m runner in history, holding multiple global titles and the world record in that event, the reigning champion recently announced a transition to longer distances to test her endurance.
This race marked a stellar return to the 5,000m, an event she had not contested in nearly three years.
Speaking on Friday, May 15, 2026, the world champion revealed why she would be making the change to the longer races.
From 1500 to 5000 race
“It is great to be back here in China for my season opener. It feels great to start the season with endurance and not go straight to the 1,500m. I chose to do the 5,000 m just to see where my endurance is,” she revealed.
“I am moving slowly. Now I’m doing the 5,000m; I don’t know what’s next, but I want to enjoy everything this year. The big goal is the World Ultimate Championships, and just to keep being consistent and see what I still have in the tank for the track.”
