How Much Faith Kipyegon, Dorcus Ewoi and Faith Cherotich Earned at Prefontaine Classic
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Kenya still banked millions at the Prefontaine Classic on July 4, 2026, even as triple Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon suffered a rare defeat in the women’s mile.
Kipyegon, who had not lost a Diamond League 1500m or mile since 2021, finished third in 4:17.80 after American Nikki Hiltz unleashed a blistering kick to win in a world-leading 4:17.49 and break the meet record.
Kenya’s Dorcus Ewoi took second in a personal best 4:17.62, marking another Kenyan podium finish despite the upset.
“The race was good; I’m happy that I’ve competed healthily. I’m so happy to have done my first middle-distance race of the year. This is sports, and we accept the outcome. It’s a little tough. I just wanted to follow the ladies. That’s why I’m not going crazy,” Kipyegon said after the race.
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Kenyan Athletes Secure Major Wins and Prize Money Despite Kipyegon’s Setback
The defeat was Kipyegon’s first middle-distance track loss in years and only her third race of the 2026 season.
She is running a conservative schedule ahead of major championships later this year.
Kenyan athletes still cashed in despite Kipyegon’s setback because the women’s mile was a Diamond and Discipline event with a bigger purse.
Hiltz earned USD 20,000, about Ksh 2.5 million, while Ewoi pocketed USD 6,000, roughly Ksh 778,000.
Kipyegon’s third place was worth USD 4,000, approximately Ksh 518,000, excluding appearance fees paid to elite athletes.
World 3000m steeplechase record holder Faith Cherotich graced the biggest victory of the night for Kenya, 8:51.74, to bag her maiden Diamond League triumph of the season.
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Kenyan Athletes Shine in Middle- and Long-Distance Running
In a tight finish, Faith narrowly defeated Olympic champion Winfred Yavi after recovering from injury.
“It was a good race, and I am happy to be back and thank God I am back after a long injury,” Cherotich said.
She got the normal winning purse of USD 10,000, about Ksh 1.2 million, since the steeplechase was not a Diamond+ race.
Kenya’s Eugene domination grew after world 800m folk Lilian Odira outran the rest to beat best mate Keely Hodgkinson for the second time in a row.
Odira clocked 1:56.19 to log and beat off the fast early race, with second placing to Hodgkinson in 1:56.73 earning approximately USD 10,000, or Ksh1.2M.
The findings highlighted Kenya’s strength in middle and long distances, as Ewoi, Cherotich and Odira all produced career bests, and Kipyegon registered a reset, ahead of her two scheduled title defenses in 2026.
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American Nikki Hiltz celebrates after crossing the finish line first in the women’s mile at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon on July 4, 2026. Kenya’s Dorcus Ewoi finished second in a personal best 4:17.62, with world record holder Faith Kipyegon third. Photo FloTrack