Just In: Chemutai Wins Diamond League In China As Cherop Breaks Uganda’s 5000m Record

By Swift Reporter

Uganda’s distance running stars delivered another memorable performance on the global stage on Saturday, with Peruth Chemutai storming to victory in the women’s 3000 metres steeplechase at the Diamond League Shanghai/Keqiao Meeting while rising star Charity Cherop smashed the national record in the women’s 5000 metres.

Chemutai, Uganda’s Olympic champion, produced a breathtaking late surge to win one of the closest races of the meeting, crossing the line in a meeting record time of 8:51.47.

She edged Faith Cherotich of Kenya by the narrowest of margins, with the Kenyan finishing just one hundredth of a second behind in 8:51.48. Marwa Bouzayani of Tunisia took third place in a national record time of 8:58.09.

Throughout the race, Chemutai remained composed in the lead pack before unleashing her trademark finishing kick over the final lap to snatch victory in dramatic fashion.

“I am very happy with the victory and the time,” Chemutai said after the race. “The race was very competitive, but I stayed focused and believed in my finishing strength.”

The performance underlines the 25-year-old’s excellent form as she builds momentum toward major international championships later this year.

Uganda’s celebrations did not end there.

In the women’s 5000 metres, Charity Cherop finished 12th in a highly competitive field but etched her name into Uganda’s athletics history by setting a new national record of 14 minutes and 39 seconds.

The achievement marks a significant milestone for the young runner and confirms her emergence as one of Uganda’s most promising long-distance talents.

Beatrice Ayikoru, General Secretary of Uganda Athletics, praised both athletes for their outstanding performances and for continuing to raise Uganda’s profile in world athletics.

“These performances are a clear indication that Uganda continues to compete strongly at the highest level of world athletics,” Ayikoru said. “Seeing our female athletes competing and excelling at Diamond League level is very important because it inspires the next generation and shows the world the potential Uganda has in athletics.”

She added that Chemutai’s victory and Cherop’s record-breaking run reflect the growing depth of Uganda’s talent in middle- and long-distance events, particularly in women’s athletics.

The double success in China adds to Uganda’s growing reputation as a global force in distance running.

For Ugandan fans, Chemutai’s thrilling victory and Cherop’s historic national record offered yet another reminder that the country’s athletes continue to compete—and win—against the very best in the world.