Faith Cherotich Wins Prefontaine Classic on Injury Comeback
On Sunday, July 5, 2026, Kenya’s Faith Cherotich delivered a superb performance to win the women’s 3,000m steeplechase at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.
The 21-year-old crossed the finish line in 8:51.74 to claim her first Diamond League victory of the 2026 season. The victory marked a remarkable return after a two-month injury layoff.
Cherotich Dominates the Race
Cherotich ran a composed race from the opening laps. She stayed with the leading pack before accelerating in the closing stages.
Her powerful finish left her rivals struggling to keep pace. The reigning world champion comfortably secured victory ahead of a strong field.
Yavi Finishes Second
Bahrain’s Olympic champion Winfred Yavi finished second. She clocked 8:52.84 after chasing Cherotich throughout the final lap. Meanwhile, Tunisia’s Marwa Bouzayani claimed third place in 8:54.32.
Her performance also earned her a new national record. Kenya’s Doris Lemngole finished fourth with a time of 8:57.89.
Cash Reward
Cherotich also received the standard Diamond League winner’s prize of $10,000, approximately KSh1.3 million. The prize capped a memorable evening for the Kenyan star after months of recovery.
Her performance demonstrated that she has regained top form ahead of the season’s major championships.
Confidence Boost
The victory strengthens Cherotich’s preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. She now heads into the competition as one of the leading contenders for gold. Her triumph also highlighted another successful outing for Kenya on the international stage.
The win came alongside Lilian Odira’s impressive victory in the women’s 800m. Together, the two athletes delivered a memorable night for Kenyan athletics.
Their performances reinforced Kenya’s reputation as a global powerhouse in middle and long-distance running.
