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Beatrice Chepkoech is weighing a transition from steeplechase after a decade marked by a world record, championships, and injury challenges.
World record holder Beatrice Chepkoech is at a crossroads in her illustrious career as she contemplates a transition from the 3000m steeplechase, a race that has brought her international fame, to longer-distance events in the 5000m and 10,000m categories.
The 33-year-old Kenyan athlete, celebrated for her speed, agility, and tenacity, looks ahead to the 2025 season with excitement and a hint of nostalgia, reflecting on her decade-long journey in competitive athletics.
Chepkoech’s journey into the world of athletics began somewhat serendipitously.
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Growing up in Kericho County, deep within the tea plantations of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, she ran to and from school daily, unknowingly honing her skills.
However, it was not until a twist of fate in 2016 that Chepkoech found herself at the start line of the 3000m steeplechase.
Initially focusing on the 1500m, she opted to try her hand at the steeplechase after a delayed training season for her specialty race.
“I had not trained well enough for the shorter distance, so I opted to register for the 3000m steeplechase race because I knew I was a multitalented athlete with the ability to compete in various races from the 400m hurdles to the steeplechase,” she said as per Capital Sports.
Despite the lack of experience, Chepkoech clocked an impressive 9:17 minutes in her debut, signaling the beginning of a successful career that would soon make history.
Three years later, Chepkoech shattered the women’s 3000m steeplechase world record, setting an astonishing time of 8:44.32 at the Diamond League meeting in Monaco.
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The 2018 season would go down as her finest, as she dominated the global steeplechase scene, capturing both the African and continental titles.
Her golden streak continued into 2019 when she took home the World Championships title in Doha. These achievements cemented her status as one of Kenya’s most versatile and dominant track athletes.
However, her path wasn’t without setbacks as in 2021 and 2022, Chepkoech suffered a series of injuries that forced her to step back from competition.
A stress fracture in her left leg—her first major injury—challenged her both physically and mentally.
“That period was the most tormenting time of my life. I failed to understand how I ended up suffering a stress fracture at a moment when I was in the best shape of my life. I was so good that I had now shifted to training with my male counterparts when my left leg started developing complications,” Chepkoech explained.
The recovery period was grueling, and the two-year hiatus gave her time to re-evaluate her approach, making her more meticulous about the shoes she wore and the impact of each stride in her steeplechase races.
Despite her injuries, Chepkoech made an impressive comeback in 2023, clinching a silver medal at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest.
She soon returned to winning form, breaking the 2000m steeplechase record in Zagreb, Croatia.
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That same season, she paced in two attempts to break the women’s 5000m world record, showing her willingness to support fellow athletes while honing her endurance for longer distances.
“In 2023, I had started regaining my form and although not at 100 percent, I offered to my management to assist in pacing for Ethiopia’s Letesenbet Giday in our first attempt and Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon in the second. It gives me so much joy when my fellow management athletes triumph in any target set for us,” Chepkoech said, highlighting her collaborative spirit.
Now, as she approaches the 2025 season, Chepkoech is at a pivotal moment, debating whether to continue with the steeplechase or fully embrace the 5000m and 10,000m races.
She acknowledges that steeplechase is one of the most physically demanding events, with its combination of speed, endurance, and the added risk of injuries from frequent barrier jumps and water landings.
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Her experience with calf and hamstring issues has taught her the importance of careful planning and an adaptable approach, particularly when transitioning between track events.
“Every movement in the steeplechase race is tactical and should be well thought out before executing. One has to master a safe way to not only clear the barriers but also land safely, so at one particular time in a steeplechaser’s career one will definitely battle recurrent injuries."
She hinted that the 2025 season might be her last year in the steeplechase, with the possibility of bidding farewell to the barriers as she pivots to longer races.
“Mine has been a successful steeplechase career, I am proud of what I have achieved so far. As we get into the 2025 season, I am yet to make a public declaration whether or not to give steeplechase another chance in the World Championships. What I am for certain however, is that in the near future, I will be making a transition to the longer races, mainly the 5000m and the 10,000m,” Chepkoech concluded.
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