Weekend Recap: Mohammed Ahmed breaks 5,000m record

Mohammed Ahmed breaks national 5,000m record

Though not technically the weekend, shortly before many headed home from work on Friday, Mohammed Ahmed broke the Canadian 5,000m record in the final Diamond League race of the year. Ahmed, a native of St. Catharines, Ont., ran to a 13:10.00 result to break Jeff Schiebler’s 17-year-old mark by over three seconds.

The race was the fastest of the year, with Ahmed finishing 12th overall.

Well, I guess it’s been quite the year for Canadian athletics, eh? I’ve lost count the number of ?? records reset this year. (1/3)

— Mohammed Ahmed (@Moh_Speed) September 12, 2015

But, I am honoured to join in on the history making. 5000m NATIONAL RECORD is a great way to end my season. (2/3)

— Mohammed Ahmed (@Moh_Speed) September 12, 2015

Thank you all for your support, Jerry and my teammates for welcoming me with open arms and making my first season as a Pro so much fun.(3/3)

— Mohammed Ahmed (@Moh_Speed) September 12, 2015

Matt Hughes and Natasha Wodak win 5K championships

Sunday morning in Toronto, before the Bang and Olufsen Yorkville Run, Athletics Canada hosted their 5K national road championships. The races were won by Canadian 3,000m steeplechase record-holder Matt Hughes and 10,000m record holder Natasha Wodak. The two ran 14:16 and 15:57 to claim their respective titles in the downtown Toronto neighbourhood.

Mo Farah wins second Great North Run

Returning to racing after his winning the 5,000m and 10,000m titles at the world championships in August, Mo Farah defended his Great North Run title in Newcastle, England, on Sunday. He ran 59:23 to win over Kenyan Stanley Biwott.

The Great North Run is one of the largest running events in the world, attracting over 50,000 runners.

On the women’s side, Kenyan Mary Keitany also defended her title, running 1:07:32. In 2014 she set the course record.