Kenyan middle- and long-distance star Faith Kipyegon is set to begin her 2026 campaign at the Wanda Diamond League season opener in Shanghai/Keqiao on May 16, where she will compete in the 5,000 metres. The five-time Diamond League champion will return to China for the second consecutive year, headlining the women’s 5,000m race in what promises to be one of the standout events of the opening meet.
Kipyegon has been in exceptional form over the past few seasons. Since 2023, she has broken five world records across three different events, achieving these milestones in four separate Diamond League meetings, further cementing her status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
The 5,000m race in Keqiao has been added as a non-points event, meaning athletes will not earn points toward the Diamond League standings. Despite this, the race will serve as an important early-season test for Kipyegon as she builds momentum for the rest of the year. She is expected to feature in additional Diamond League meetings later in the season, including stops in Eugene and Monaco.
The Shanghai/Keqiao meeting marks the first leg of the 2026 Wanda Diamond League series, which will span four continents and 15 cities before concluding with a two-day final in Brussels scheduled for September 4–5.
