Diribe Welteji has set a new world record in the women's road mile to win her first senior title at the inaugural Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia, finishing in 4:20.98 on Sunday (Oct. 1) morning.
21-year-old Welteji completed an Ethiopian 1-2 with compatriot Freweyni Hailu (4:24.13), as Kenyan Faith Kipyegon, previously undefeated this year with three world records and two world golds, had to settle for third in 4:24.13 in her first road race.
Welteji's run was just inside Mirriam Cherop's 2018 time in Honolulu, although the road mile has only been recognized as a world record since Sept. 1 of this year.
Kipyegon at first set the pace alongside fellow Kenyan Nelly Chepchirchir, who went on to finish in fourth with 4:31.18. Welteji and Hailu matched them, and Welteji surged forward in the last 100m to triumph.
"When I saw Faith in front, near the [finish] line, at that moment I decided to sprint," said Welteji. "I could sense that she was tired, and I had it in my mind: 'I can beat her.'"
"I came here to win, to write history, and to motivate the new generations of our athletes."
Kipyegon said, "It was a very successful season, but unfortunately I am a little bit tired today. It feels good to be part of these first World Road Running Championships, so I am glad I did it. This was my first road race, so I did well."
Hailu shared, "It is a big honour for me to be a part of this competition. I am proud to have won a silver medal for Ethiopia."
The medal order was reversed by country in the women's 5k as Beatrice Chebet (14:35) and Lilian Kasait Rengeruk (14:39) completed a Kenyan 1-2 and Ethiopian Ejgayehu Taye took third (14:39).
