World Athletics Championships 2025: Edmund Serem, Abraham Kibiwott Progress to 3000m SC Final as Simon Koech Exits

Edmund Serem produced a standout display, storming to a commanding win in his heat, while Abraham Kibiwott squeezed through to the final. However, Simon Koech’s journey came to an end in Tokyo.

The men’s 3000m steeplechase heats opened the evening programme at the World Athletics Championships 2025, with Kenya’s trio in action. Serem underlined his rising pedigree as he carried the nation’s hopes into the medal contest. According to World Athletics rules, the top five finishers in each heat secured automatic qualification for Monday’s final.

World Athletics Championships 2025: Men’s 3000m Steeplechase Heat One

The opening race featured Edmund Serem, younger brother to Amos Serem, determined to maintain Kenya’s reputation in the event. Among his rivals was Japan’s Ryuji Miura, competing on home soil after a strong Diamond League campaign.

Serem delivered a powerful finish, charging in the last stretch to clinch victory in 8:29.97 and secure a place in the final. Ethiopia’s Getnet Wale crossed second in 8:30.14, with Miura close behind in 8:30.43. Nicolas Marie-Daru and Ahmed Jaziri sealed fourth and fifth, earning their qualification spots.

World Athletics Championships 2025: Men’s 3000m Steeplechase Heat Two

The second heat highlighted Olympic bronze medallist Abraham Kibiwott alongside Germany’s Fredrik Ruppert, winner of the Diamond League Final in Zurich. Early stages saw Sweden’s Leo Magnusson dictating the pace, with Kibiwott holding steady in fifth.

At the 900m mark, Kibiwott moved up to third, signalling his readiness to contest. As the race progressed, Ruppert surged ahead, but the lead changed dramatically on the home straight. Morocco’s Salahedinne Ben Yazide came from behind to claim first place, Geordie Beamish of New Zealand took second, and Ethiopia’s Samuel Firewu finished third. Ruppert settled for fourth, with Kibiwott managing fifth to book his final ticket.

World Athletics Championships 2025: Men’s 3000m Steeplechase Heat Three

The final heat promised a showdown between Ethiopia’s world record holder Lamecha Girma and Morocco’s Soufiane El Bakkali, the reigning champion who has dominated the event for four successive years. Simon Koech, who was among the 58 athletes representing Kenya, also lined up, aiming to challenge the favourites.

In the opening laps, Belgium’s Tim Van De Velde set the tempo as El Bakkali and Girma stayed patient at the back. Koech moved into contention and even took the lead after five laps, raising hopes of qualification.

However, in the closing stages, he was unable to keep up as the two big names shifted gears. El Bakkali pulled away to win the race, with Girma following in second. Koech faded in the final meters, missing out on a qualifying position and ending his title aspirations.