Kenya's Faith Cherotich held off Winfred Yavi to win the women's 3000m steeplechase at the 2026 Prefontaine Classic, clocking 8:51.74 in Eugene.
Kenya's Faith Cherotich showed why she remains the woman to beat over the barriers, claiming victory in the women's 3000m steeplechase at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene on Saturday, July 4, clocking a brilliant 8:51.74 at Hayward Field.
Bahrain's Winfred Yavi pushed Cherotich all the way, staying in contention deep into the closing stages before settling for second in 8:52.84 — just over a second behind the Kenyan star. The duel between the two was one of the highlights of a stacked steeplechase field on the Fourth of July at one of track and field's most historic venues.
Tunisia's Marwa Bouzayani rounded out the podium in third, clocking a national record of 8:54.32, while Kenya's Doris Lemngole ran a personal best of 8:57.89 for fourth. Former Olympic champion Peruth Chemutai of Uganda finished fifth.
Cherotich's win added to a strong day for Kenyan athletics at the meet, with Lilian Odira also delivering a statement performance in the women's 800m, beating Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson to the line.
Since the steeplechase was not run as a Diamond + Discipline event at this meet, Cherotich's win comes with a $10,000 prize (roughly Ksh1.2 million), on top of any appearance fees agreed with meet organisers — a solid payday to cap off another statement performance from the world champion.
With the Diamond League season building toward its climax, Cherotich's win over Yavi — one of her fiercest global rivals — reinforces her status as the athlete to beat in the steeplechase heading into the rest of the season. For Kenyan fans, it's another reminder of the country's continued dominance in the event on the world stage.
