ATHLETICS
Frank Rotich 3 days ago

World champion Kipyegon to start 2026 season with 5,000m race in China

Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet. [Courtesy Faith Kipyegon]

Four-time 1,500m world champion Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon is set to begin her 2026 season in style, headlining the women’s 5000m at the opening leg of the Diamond League meeting in Shanghai/Keqiao, China on May 16.

The five-time Diamond League champion returns to China for the second year in a row, as she looks to continue her impressive dominance on the global athletics stage.

Kipyegon has been in top form over the past few seasons, breaking world records consistently and cementing her place among the greatest runners in history.

Last year, the 31-year-old opened her season in Xiamen, where she narrowly missed out on a world record in the 1000m. Since 2023, she has set five world records across different events, showing her versatility and strength in middle- and long-distance races.

In Keqiao, Kipyegon will compete in the 5000m, a race that has been added specially for the event. However, the race will not count towards Diamond League points. Despite this, it will serve as an important test as she builds form for the rest of the season.

Kipyegon is targeting a record sixth Diamond League title and is expected to compete in more meetings later in the year, including stops in Eugene and Monaco.

The Shanghai/Keqiao meet will officially kick off the 2026 Diamond League season, which will travel across four continents and 15 cities before ending with the finals in Brussels in September.

All eyes will be on Kipyegon as she begins another season, with fans hoping to witness more record-breaking performances from the Kenyan legend.