TOKYO2025: Kenyan duo advance to 1500m semifinals as Koech, Ingebrigtsen crash out
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 14.09.25. | 03:45
Kenya’s third entrant, Koech, was not as fortunate as stumbled and faltered badly, eventually crossing the line 12th in 3:42.77
Kenya will have two men in the semifinals of the 1500m at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, after former world champion Timothy Cheruiyot and rising star Reynold Kipkorir Cheruiyot both advanced on Sunday 14, September.
The 2019 world champion Cheruiyot ran a typically tactical race, clocking 3:42.20 to finish fourth in his heat and secure safe passage.
The Kenyan started conservatively, sitting at the back as Britain’s Neil Gourley and Germany’s Robert Farken set the early pace.
Patiently biding his time on the inside rail, Cheruiyot crept forward before the bell, with Olympic champion Cole Hocker surging to the front.
When it mattered, the Kenyan produced his trademark finish.
With 200 metres left, he unleashed a blistering kick, powering past rivals to clinch fourth place.
Spain’s Adrián Ben tried to wrestle him for position in the home stretch, but Cheruiyot’s composure held firm as he booked his semifinal spot.
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Meanwhile, 21-year-old Reynold Kipkorir showed the promise that has marked him as one of Kenya’s brightest talents.
He ran a bold, tactical race in his heat, taking the early lead before drifting back as France’s Paul Anselmini, Belgium’s Ruben Verheyden and Australia’s Adam Spencer seized control.
By the bell, fatigue seemed to be creeping in.
But the youngster dug deep, summoning fresh energy in the final 200 metres.
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Running tight on the inside, he held his ground in a frantic sprint against Italy’s Pietro Arese, Portugal’s Isaac Nader, and the Netherlands’ Niels Laros.
His effort was enough to finish fourth in 3:41.17, safely into the next round.
Kenya’s third entrant, Phanuel Koech, was not as fortunate.
Employing a cautious start, Koech stayed mid-pack as Ethiopia’s Nebret Melak and Britain’s Jake Wightman dictated the pace.
He moved into contention before the bell, clinging to the top six positions, but disaster struck in the final lap.
Losing contact as the leaders accelerated, Koech stumbled and faltered badly, eventually crossing the line 12th in 3:42.77.
His elimination leaves Kenya with two representatives in the experienced Timothy and the ambitious Reynold Cheruiyot, to carry the nation’s hopes into the semifinals.
With both showing flashes of tactical nous and finishing strength, the stage is set for a fascinating Kenyan challenge in the next round.
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