Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji and USA’s Hobbs Kessler both set world records to win two thrilling road mile races at the World Athletics Road Running Championships Riga 23.
Diribe Welteji, at just 21 years old, dominated the women’s race with a time of 4:20.98. This impressive feat not only secured her the gold medal, but also smashed the world record for the women’s road mile, previously held by Nikki Hiltz at 4:27.97.
Freweyni Hailu of Ethiopia claimed silver with a time of 4:23.06, while Kenya’s decorated runner Faith Kipyegon secured bronze in 4:24.13.
The women’s race witnessed an early power move by Kipyegon, a multiple world champion and track record holder. However, Welteji, Hailu, and Nelly Chepchirchir of Kenya remained close, forming a strong pack vying for the podium positions.
As the race progressed, Kipyegon seemed to struggle, and near the Freedom Monument, Welteji seized her opportunity. The reigning silver medallist in the 1500m surged ahead, claiming her first senior world title and etching her name in history with the new record.
The men’s mile race lived up to the hype, being the most unpredictable event of the Championships.
A surprising victory went to 20-year-old American Hobbs Kessler, who led a tight pack to the finish line.
Callum Elson of Great Britain secured a well-deserved silver medal with a personal best time of 3:56.41, narrowly edging out former world record holder Sam Prakel (USA) who took bronze at 3:56.43.
The early pacesetter was Kenya’s world U20 mile record-holder Reynold Kipkorir Cheruiyot, but the rest of the pack eventually caught him. As the finish loomed, Kessler positioned himself strategically at the front with Prakel on his heels.
Elson made a strong push on the opposite side, but it wasn’t enough to catch Kessler, who crossed the finish line in a record-breaking 3:56.13, shaving five seconds off Prakel’s previous record set earlier in the year.