Peerless Cherotich claims first win of season at Prefontaine Classic

Peerless Cherotich claims first win of season at Prefontaine Classic
Faith Cherotich celebrates after winning women's 3000m steeplechase in Tokyo. Photo/COURTESY

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 4, 2026 – World champion Faith Cherotich cruised to victory in the women’s 3000m steeplechase at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene on Saturday night.

The 21-year-old clocked 8:51.74 to cross the finish line first, ahead of Olympic champion Winfred Yavi of Bahrain, who came second in 8:52.84.

Marwa Bouzayani of Tunisia clinched the final podium place, clocking a national record of 8:54.32 to finish third.

The race was Cherotich’s first Diamond League this season, which is also — coincidentally — her third race of the season.

She started off with a second-place finish at the season opener in Shanghai after timing 8:51.48.

The youngster then finished third at the subsequent Diamond League competition in Xiamen, clocking 8:52.53.

Her latest achievement will stand her in good stead ahead of the Commonwealth Games on July 23-August 8 in Glasgow where she will be representing the country in the women’s 3000m steeplechase.