EUGENE -- Simon Kiprop Koech of Kenya controlled the race from the midpoint and went on to easily win the men's 3000m steeplechase title in 8:06.26 at the Diamond League Prefontaine Classic at Hayward Field.

It was a triumphant season-ending performance for Koech, the 2021 world U20 bronze medalist who finished in seventh place at the World Championships last month and was not ranked in the Top 10 among Diamond League scorers this season.

The final Men's 3000m Steeplechase of the season put on a show!

1⃣ Simon Kiprop Koech | 8:06.26
2⃣ Samuel Firewu | 8:10.74
3⃣ George Beamish | 8:14.01

Presented by Omega#EugeneDL 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/TUIq5eSD5j

— The Prefontaine Classic (@nikepreclassic) September 16, 2023

The race was quite controlled with Craig Novak setting the pace at 2:40.91 through the first kilometer, which was slightly off schedule, before stepping off after going through the second kilometer in 5:25.23, which was five seconds slower than the asked-for pace.

With any records likely off the table, it became all about the competition and Koech trying to maintain his edge over Ethiopian rivals Samuel Firewu and Getnet Wale.

As the race progressed, Koech was gradually able to open up daylight on the field and by the time he hit the bell lap, there was little drama left to unfold. He wound around the oval smoothly and crossed daily comfortably, just two seconds outside of his season and personal bests.

Firewu finished in second, running 8:10.74. Geordie Beamish of New Zealand made a furious kick over the final kilometer, moving up from 10th place all the way to third, crossing in 8:14.01. Wale wound up fourth in 8:14.96.