Three world leads kick off the 2022 Pre Classic

Francine Niyonsaba breaks the 9-minute barrier in the 2-mile at the Prefontaine Classic on Friday night, running 8:59.08. Photo by Mikeisha Kelly

By Cassie Cole

There’s no doubt the world’s best runners race at Hayward Field at the University of Oregon. Friday night’s Party at the Prefontaine Classic ended with three world leads in three different races. 

Tactical 2-Mile 

Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba came into the 2 mile planning to break the world best of 8:58.58 after running a close 9:00.75 at the 2021 Pre Classic. Although she didn’t quite make the mark, Niyonsaba improved on lifetime best, clocking 8:59.08. 

“[I] always believe in myself and I’m so proud of what I have done,” said Niyonsaba after the race. She has a lot to be proud of—her winning time was a personal best and Pre Classic meet record. 

Despite not meeting her goal, Niyonsaba was satisfied with her race. “I enjoyed the race,” said Niyonsaba. “I did my best, so I’m so excited.” 

Friday night’s 2 mile was guided by pacing lights lining the Hayward Field track. Niyonsaba, who finished 15 seconds before second-place finisher Beatrice Chebet, spent most of the race running by herself with the lights. 

“I run alone, I push myself,” said Niyonsaba after the race. “It’s not easy; it’s very difficult.” 

Although she’s happy with her time, Niyonsaba also believes that she can break the 2 mile world best in the future. If the past two Prefontaine Classics are any indication, fans may just see her attempt it again next year. 

A Fast 5000m 

Ejgayehu Taye won the women’s 5000 meter in a time of 14:12.98, a personal best, meet record, and world lead for the Ethiopian runner. Fellow Ethiopian Letesenbet Gidey finished second in 14:24.59. 

Although Gidey led the field with Taye through much of the race, Taye moved in front of Gidey in the last 1000 meters. Taye finished six seconds off the women’s 5000m world record of 14:06.62. 

Gidey holds the current world record for the 5000m and had plans to break the record again on Friday night. However, Gidey did discuss the possibility of not going for the record at the Pre Classic press conference on Thursday. “We’ll see,” Gidey had said, citing weather concerns and discussions with her coach. 

Joshua Cheptegei runs 12:57.99 to win the 5,000m on Friday night at the 2022 Prefontaine Classic. Photo by Taylor Sims

Forward Thinking 

Friday night action at the Prefontaine Classic wrapped up with the men’s 5000m. Joshua Cheptegei, who holds the existing world record in the race, also had hopes to break his record. 

Cheptegei finished first with a time of 12:57.99, a world lead for the Ugandan runner. His world record is 12:35.36. Though he didn’t quite beat the mark, Cheptegei was happy with his race and felt his splits were on-track with his training.  

“Maybe even faster,” he added. 

Although no world records were broken on Friday night at the Pre Classic, the athletes are hopeful and looking toward the future. As Cheptegei and his fellow distance runners prepare for the World Championships in July, there seems to be a clear possibility for the world records to fall in the future.