Kenya’s Robert Keter Sets New 5Km World Record in France

Kenya’s Robert Keter smashed the 5-kilometer World Record after winning the Urban Trail Lille 5km road race in France.

Keter sprinted away from the field in the final stages to cross the finish line in 13 minutes 22 seconds, taking seven seconds off the previous record of 13:29 set in Monaco in January 2019 by Julien Wanders of Switzerland.

“I’m very, very happy. The race was great, it was my first 5km road race,” said Keter.

2014 Youth Olympic champion Gilbert Kwemoi, world U20 5000m silver medalist Stanley Waithaka and world indoor 3000m finalist Davis Kiplangat-all from Kenya-came in second, third and fourth respectively.

They all crossed the finish line with an official time of 13:28, one second inside the existing world record.

The 5km road distance has only been recognized as a world record event since November 2017 and although Keter's is now the fastest time since then, other runners had bettered the time previously.

17-year-old Mercy Jerop made it a Kenyan double, winning the women’s race in 16:21 followed by France’s Fanny Pruvost, 23, in 16:47.