The Fastest 5K Runners in History

The 5K race, whether on the track or road, is a thrilling blend of raw speed and endurance. It pushes athletes to balance explosive power with sustained stamina over 3.1 miles (5,000 meters). In recent years, the world of distance running has witnessed monumental shifts as elite runners continue to shatter long-standing records, redefining what’s possible in this iconic event.

As of February 2025, the 5K world records have been rewritten, and a new generation of runners is closing in fast. Let’s dive into the fastest 5K times in history and the athletes who are pushing the limits of human performance.

Men’s 5K World Record

🥇 Berihu Aregawi (Ethiopia) – 12:36.70 (Track)

• Event: Monaco Diamond League, 2024

• Pace: 2:31 per kilometer (4:03 per mile)

  
  

  Berihu Aregawi now stands atop the 5K record books with his groundbreaking 12:36.70, surpassing Joshua Cheptegei’s previous mark. Aregawi’s flawless execution in Monaco combined endurance and blistering speed, making him the fastest man to ever run the 5,000m on the track.

🥇 Berihu Aregawi (Ethiopia) – 12:49 (Road)

• Event: Cursa dels Nassos 5K, Barcelona, 2021

• Pace: 2:34 per kilometer (4:08 per mile)

  
  

  Aregawi also owns the road 5K world record, making him a dominant force in both track and road racing. His consistent sub-13-minute performances have solidified his place among the greats.

Top 5 Fastest Men in the 5K (Track)

1. 🥈 Joshua Cheptegei (Uganda) – 12:35.36 (Monaco, 2020)

   • The former world record holder, Cheptegei revolutionized distance running with his aggressive pacing and strategic racing.

2. 🥉 Kenenisa Bekele (Ethiopia) – 12:37.35 (Hengelo, 2004)

   • Bekele’s record stood unchallenged for 16 years, a testament to his legendary status.

3. 🎖️ Haile Gebrselassie (Ethiopia) – 12:39.36 (Zurich, 1998)

   • A trailblazer in distance running, Gebrselassie was the first to redefine how fast humans could run long distances.

4. 🎖️ Selemon Barega (Ethiopia) – 12:43.02 (Brussels, 2018)

   • Known for his strong finishing kicks, Barega is a consistent contender on the global stage.

5. 🎖️ Yomif Kejelcha (Ethiopia) – 12:46.79 (Rome, 2019)

   • A middle-distance star with the endurance to excel at 5K, Kejelcha remains a threat in every race he enters.

Women’s 5K World Record

🥇 Gudaf Tsegay (Ethiopia) – 14:00.21 (Track)

• Event: Diamond League, 2024

• Pace: 2:48 per kilometer (4:30 per mile)

  
  

  Gudaf Tsegay nearly achieved the impossible by running just over 14 minutes for the 5,000m. Her record-setting performance in 2024 shattered Letesenbet Gidey’s previous record, showcasing her dominance in middle and long-distance running.

🥇 Ejgayehu Taye (Ethiopia) – 14:19 (Road)

• Event: Cursa dels Nassos 5K, Barcelona, 2021

• Pace: 2:51 per kilometer (4:35 per mile)

  
  

  Taye’s record on the road cemented her as one of the fastest women in history, blending raw speed with endurance on the city streets of Barcelona.

Top 5 Fastest Women in the 5K (Track)

1. 🥈 Letesenbet Gidey (Ethiopia) – 14:06.62 (Valencia, 2020)

   • Gidey’s record was groundbreaking, holding for years before being surpassed by Tsegay.

2. 🥉 Tirunesh Dibaba (Ethiopia) – 14:11.15 (Oslo, 2008)

   • Nicknamed the "Baby Faced Destroyer," Dibaba dominated the 5K during her prime.

3. 🎖️ Meseret Defar (Ethiopia) – 14:12.88 (New York, 2007)

   • Defar’s tactical brilliance made her one of the best 5K runners of her era.

4. 🎖️ Sifan Hassan (Netherlands) – 14:22.12 (London, 2019)

   • A versatile runner, Hassan's strength spans from 1,500m to the half marathon.

5. 🎖️ Hellen Obiri (Kenya) – 14:22.36 (Doha, 2017)

   • Obiri's fearless front-running style has made her a multiple-time world champion.