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new 5K World and British Records

17 August 2020
the5krunner

 

J Cheptegei / Matthias Hangst/AFP/POOL
J Cheptegei / Matthias Hangst/AFP/POOL

5k World Record (5000m)

Lockdown seems to have helped some athletes better focus on their training and we have seen several records tumble in recent days. Most notably is the lowering of the 5000m mark by an amazing 2 seconds in Monaco. Joshua Cheptegei recorded a time of 12:35:36 meaning that the WR has fallen by about 30 seconds over the last 40 years which could perhaps be described as ‘the modern era’ where sports science and kit have made their mark.

WR Progression: Here

https://youtu.be/qnFQtHhvMJY

 

British Record was broken by Marc Scott

Back in Britain, the British & European indoor 5k record holder (13:08:87), Marc Scott, grabbed a British road record of 13:20 sporting some speedy-looking Nike race shoes. Triathlete Jonny Brownlee clocked under 14:00 in the same race.

 

Image: Jessica Whittington via Athletics Weekly
Image: Jessica Whittington via Athletics Weekly

 

 

 

Last Updated on 24 January 2026 by the5krunner

My favourite kit and nutrition

  • Maurten — the race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mix engineered to be easy on the stomach.
  • Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — the small adapter that keeps your charging cable tidy at the stem. Essential for race day.
  • Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session.
  • Ravemen FR300 — front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters.
  • Garmin Varia RTL515 — radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch.
  • Stryd — the footpod that brings running power to your Garmin. The single most useful running upgrade I have made.
  • Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — the power meter pedals most serious cyclists end up choosing. Accurate, easy to move between bikes.

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