In the weeks leading up to this year’s Prefontaine Classic, rumors swirled around the possibility of Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba setting a world record in the 5,000 meters at Hayward Field.
While Dibaba fell eight seconds short of her sister Tirunesh Dibaba’s world-record time on Saturday, she made a huge impact on the 5,000-meter record book.
Her runaway victory of 14 minutes, 19.72 seconds was a personal, meet and Hayward Field record.
Faith Kipyegon, in her debut in the 5,000 meters, finished second behind Dibaba in 14:31.95.
Dibaba’s attempt turned into a solo effort when the pacers dropped out after 4.5 laps. And with 13:13 on the timer and one lap to go, the sold-out crowd at Hayward was on its feet to cheer her across the finish line.
Alexi Pappas of Oregon Track Club Elite was one of the pacers and happily embraced the opportunity to advance the track and field community as a whole.
“With pacing, you’re doing something bigger than yourself,” said Pappas. “We exchanged a little hug and a smile, and that was all we need to get her (Dibaba) through at least part of her race.”
Dibaba was given the Maria Mutola Outstanding Athlete Award following her performance on Saturday.
