Men's Road 5K World Record in Jeopardy at Carlsbad 5000

By Adam Kopet

The recently set road 5K world record could fall Sunday at the 2019 Carlsbad 5000.

In addition to the previously announced Edward Cheserek, Hassan Mead and Kenya's David Bett are both set to race in one of the world's fastest 5K road races. All three men own 5,000-meter personal bests under 13:10.

The road 5K world record was set in February at the Monaco Herculis 5K by Julien Wanders of Switzerland, who ran 13:29. The road 5K has only recently become a world record eligible event.

Also competing in the elite race, and having run under 13:29 on the track is Reid Buchanan. He has run 13:27.83 in his career.

The men's event record is 13:00, which Sammy Kipketer of Kenya ran twice, in 2000 and 2001, before the road 5K became world record eligible.

The women's race features a strong international field led by Sharon Lokedi of Kenya and athletes from Great Britain, Charlotte Arter, Jenny Nesbitt and Alice Wright.

Lokedi won the 2018 NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Championships at 10,000 meters for Kansas and holds the fastest 5,000-meter best at 15:27.09. Wright, a four-time All-American in the 10,000 at New Mexico, trains as part of the HOKA ONE ONE Northern Arizona Elite.

Wright's teammate, Danielle Shanahan, is the top American entrant.

A full list of elite athletes competing Sunday is available from an event press release.

The Carlsbad 5000 features a new ownership group this year, which includes 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Meb Keflezighi.