At just 13 years old, this rising star is already running times that most adults can only dream of
A sub-16-minute 5K is a milestone that many dedicated runners spend years trying to break. It’s a time that places athletes among the top local club runners, a mark often associated with elite juniors and sub-elite adult competitors.
But on August 10, 2023, at the Recordløpet 5K in Drammen, Norway, 13-year-old Per August Halle Haugen did just that—finishing in 15:52, securing second place overall in a field of grown men.
For most kids, just completing a 5K is an achievement. For Haugen, he’s already chasing national records and running times that rival some of Norway’s best young talents.
Let’s take a closer look at the fastest 13-year-old you’ve never heard of—until now.
The Making of a Teenage Distance Running Prodigy
This isn’t the first time Haugen has stunned the running world.
In 2022, as a 12-year-old, he ran a 16:13 5K—already an unheard-of time for someone in elementary school. Not stopping there, he made an even bigger statement by clocking 33:18 for 10K, one of the fastest-ever recorded 10K times for a 12-year-old.
Now, with his 15:52 performance in Drammen, he has slashed 21 seconds off his previous 5K best, proving that he’s only getting stronger.
Haugen’s 5K Progression:
2022 (Age 12): 16:13
2023 (Age 13): 15:52 🔥 (21-second improvement!)
At an age when most kids are still figuring out their favorite sport, Haugen is competing with and beating fully grown adults.
Running in His Blood: A Family of Distance Running Royalty
It would be easy to call Haugen a once-in-a-lifetime talent, but his family history suggests otherwise. Distance running is in his DNA.
🏅 Grandfather – Per Halle Haugen
Represented Norway in international track and field competitions.
Personal Best: 13:27 for 5,000m—an elite world-class time.
🏅 Mother & Coach – Gunhild Halle Haugen
Personal Bests:
15:09 for 5,000m
31:47 for 10,000m
One of Norway’s best distance runners in her era.
🏅 Older Brother – Simen Halle Haugen (Born 1999)
Personal Best: 13:37 for 5,000m in 2022.
With a coach in his own household, a deep understanding of elite training, and a strong genetic foundation, it’s no wonder Haugen is already running at an astonishing level.
But talent alone doesn’t explain it.
The Secret to His Success: A Unique Path to Greatness
Haugen’s success isn’t just about genetics—it’s also about exposure and experience.
1. No Age Restrictions, No Limits
Norway’s athletics governing body, Norges Friidrettsforbund, doesn’t have official age-group competitions for kids under 13 years old. That means Haugen has been competing against adults in open road races, facing tougher competition than most kids his age ever experience.
Instead of racing against other teenagers, he’s been:✅ Learning race tactics from seasoned competitors.✅ Training like a professional at an age when most kids are still playing multiple sports.✅ Developing mental toughness that many young runners struggle to build.
2. Elite-Level Coaching & Support
While most young runners rely on generic training plans, Haugen benefits from:
Personalized coaching from his mother, a former international elite.
A scientifically-backed approach to training, nutrition, and recovery.
A competitive household, constantly pushing him to improve.
3. Smart Racing & Pacing Beyond His Years
Unlike many young talents who start races too fast and fade, Haugen has already mastered:✔ Efficient pacing – He knows how to hold back early and finish strong.✔ Racing tactics – He doesn’t just run fast—he knows how to compete strategically.✔ Consistent improvement – Instead of burning out, he’s getting faster every year.
How Does Haugen’s Time Compare to the Best?
Haugen’s 15:52 5K at 13 years old is one of the fastest ever recorded for his age.
To put it in perspective:
Against Adult Runners
A 15:52 5K is a 5:06 per mile pace.
This would win most local road races outright.
Against World-Class Juniors
For reference, here’s what some future elite runners were running at Haugen’s age:
Jakob Ingebrigtsen (Norway, Age 13): ~15:30
Ryan Hall (USA, Age 14): ~15:20
Usain Bolt (Jamaica, Age 15): ~16:00 (Though he specialized in sprinting)
Haugen is already running as fast as some of the greatest runners in history did at his age.
What’s Next for Haugen?
With his current trajectory, Haugen could be on track for some insane milestones in the next few years:
🔹 Breaking 15 minutes for 5K? Given his improvement curve, Haugen could run sub-15 before he even turns 15.
🔹 A National Junior Star? He’ll likely start competing at the national level, eventually moving toward European and World U20 Championships.
🔹 Norway’s Next Great Distance Runner? With names like Jakob Ingebrigtsen leading Norwegian distance running, Haugen could be next in line to dominate on the global stage.
One thing is certain: this is just the beginning.
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