Ethiopian long-distance runner Dawit Seyaum broke the 5K women’s road world record

Ethiopian long-distance runner Dawit Seyaum broke the women’s 5km world record (for a mixed race) in Lille, France. She crosses the line in 14:41 and managed to take 2 seconds away from the previous peak for mixed race, which was held by the world champion from Doha 2019, the Kenyan athlete Beatrice Chepkoech.

Dawit Seyaum ran the first kilometers in a group with her main competitors – Kenyan athlete Norah Jeruto and Ethiopian runner Meskerem Mamo. The trio covered the two kilometers in 5:51 minutes, and the three – in 8:46 minutes. About the fourth kilometer, Meskerem Mamo fell behind. Then, with a powerful final sprint, Dawit Seyaum left Norah Jeruto behind to stop the clocks at 14:41. Norah Jeruto also recorded an impressive result, equaling the previous world record – 14:43. Meskerem Mamo finished third in 14:55.

Dawit Seyaum’s record is for mixed competitions, while the world record in the women’s competition is held by her compatriot Senbere Teferi – 14:29.

Dawit Seyaum Biratu is an Ethiopian middle-distance runner who specializes in the 1500 meters. She is a gold medalist from the African Games 2015 in Brazzaville on 1500 m and also a silver medalist from World Indoor Championships 2016 in Portland on 1500 m.