Monaco was the centre of the athletics world on Sunday, February 16, when Joshua Cheptegei shaved almost half a minute off the world record in the 5km, clocking 12:51 at the Monaco Run.

The 23 year-old Ugandan ran alone from the start in the Monaco sunshine, breaking through the 13-minute barrier to win in 12:51.

Running alone from the start, Cheptegei ran the first kilometre in 2:31, following with 2:35, 2:36 and 2:35 with a closing 2:32 for the final kilometre.

“Wow, this is a really great,” said Cheptegei. “I had sub 13 minutes in my mind today so when my legs felt good during the race I decided to really go for it. To take this many seconds off the record makes me very happy and is a great first test for me in an important season.”

Jimmy Gressier of France broke the European record, coming second in 13:18, while Nick Goolab of Great Britain was third in 13:27. Liv Westphal won the women’s race in 15:31, a French national record.

PHOTO: Cheptegei at the 2km mark in Larvotto Screen Shot