Kenya’s middle-distance star Faith Kipyegon is considering a major shift in her career, strongly hinting at a transition from her dominant 1500-metre specialty to the more demanding 10,000-metre race.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest middle-distance runners of all time, Kipyegon has cemented her legacy in the 1500m category. The 2024 season was particularly remarkable for her, marking some of the best performances of her career.
At the Paris Olympics, she secured her third consecutive Olympic gold in the 1500m, clocking an impressive 3:51:29. She also ventured into the 5,000m event, where she delivered a stellar performance to clinch silver in 14:29.60.
Despite her dominance, Kipyegon acknowledges that managing both 1500m and 5000m races is a challenging feat. However, she credits her participation in cross-country events for helping her strike a balance between speed and endurance.
“I began my 2023 season with the Sirikwa Classic, and it turned out to be an incredible year. I’m hopeful for a strong finish in 2025. Cross-country has played a crucial role in improving both my endurance and speed,” Kipyegon told SportsBoom.
She admitted that when cross-country races transitioned from 8km to 10km, she was initially apprehensive but soon realized its importance in her buildup.
With experience and age shaping her career decisions, Kipyegon is now contemplating a move toward endurance racing. This transition could signal the end of her reign in the 1500m category.
“Running 1500m, 5000m, and then 10,000m is tough, but I see it as part of the process of building endurance. Who knows? This might be the year I finally move to the 10k,” she remarked.
If Kipyegon makes the switch to long-distance races, it could impact her earnings. Middle-distance events generally attract more sponsorships and appearance fees due to their high visibility in global athletics.
Brands often prefer races that receive extensive television coverage, such as the 1500m, which offers more commercial appeal. In contrast, 10,000m races lack widespread popularity, making it harder for long-distance athletes to secure lucrative deals.
Additionally, the 1500m is a premier event in the Diamond League, where winners pocket USD 10,000 (approximately KSh 1.3 million), excluding bonuses. Notably, the 10,000m race is not part of the Diamond League circuit, meaning Kipyegon could miss out on these payouts.
Transitioning to long-distance racing would also bring new challenges, as she would compete against seasoned 10,000m specialists. This increases the uncertainty of podium finishes, which play a crucial role in securing bonuses and prize money.
Despite these challenges, Kipyegon has already demonstrated her adaptability by excelling in both the 1500m and 5,000m events at the highest level. Given her talent and determination, there is a strong possibility that she could establish herself as a formidable long-distance runner should she decide to take on the 10,000m challenge.
