Beatrice Chebet has quickly established herself as one of Kenya’s leading long-distance runners, dazzling the world with her talent in the 5000m and 10,000m events. Born on March 5, 2000, she is 24 years old as of January 2025. Growing up in the high-altitude town of Kapcheplanget in Nandi County, located in the Rift Valley region of Kenya, Chebet was immersed in a rich athletic tradition from an early age. This area, known as the heart of Kenya’s running success, has produced many of the world’s top distance runners, and Chebet is no exception.
Raised in an environment that celebrated athletics, Beatrice Chebet was introduced to running during her primary school years. Her parents, Francis Kirui and Lilian Kirui, played an essential role in nurturing her natural talent and passion for the sport. She also has a younger sister, Sandra Chebet, who has participated in various track and field events, further highlighting the family’s strong connection to athletics. Chebet attended Saramek Secondary School in Londiani, where her burgeoning talent began to take shape. Her professional career was kick-started in November 2016 when she joined the Lemotit Athletics Club, marking the beginning of what would soon become a highly decorated journey in international competitions.
While her achievements on the track are impressive, Chebet’s personal life has also garnered attention, particularly her relationship with her husband, Peter Bii. Despite maintaining a relatively private personal life, insights shared in a recent interview reveal that Bii has been a supportive partner from the early days of her athletic career. Their relationship exemplifies the balance Chebet has managed to maintain between her personal commitments and her dedication to sport.
In addition to her success as an athlete, Chebet serves as a dedicated member of the National Police Service (NPS) in Kenya. Her role in the police force is a testament to her discipline and commitment to public service. Following her outstanding performances on the international stage most notably her triumphs in the 5000m and 10,000m she earned a promotion from the rank of Police Constable to Corporal, recognizing both her athletic and professional contributions.
A noteworthy aspect of Chebet’s career is her intense rivalry with fellow Kenyan and world-class athlete Faith Kipyegon. The two have faced off in several high-profile races, captivating fans and adding an extra layer of drama to every encounter. One of their notable head-to-head clashes took place at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, where Kipyegon claimed victory in the 5000m while Chebet finished in third place. However, the dynamics shifted at the 2024 Paris Olympics. In a thrilling race, Chebet clinched the gold medal in the 5000m with a time of 14:28.56, edging out Kipyegon, who finished second with a time of 14:29.60. This victory not only underscored Chebet’s competitive edge but also marked a significant moment in her rivalry with Kipyegon.
Chebet’s record-breaking feats have further cemented her legacy in the sport. On May 25, 2024, at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, she set a new world record in the women’s 10,000m, finishing in 28:54.14 and eclipsing the previous mark set by Letesenbet Gidey. Later that year, on December 31, 2024, Chebet broke the women’s 5-kilometer road race record by completing the race in 13:54 seconds, becoming the first woman to break the 14-minute barrier in the event. These world records reflect her relentless pursuit of excellence and her determination to redefine the boundaries of long-distance running.
