Wednesday July 12, 2023
Abdihamid Nur put down a blistering last lap of 53.6 seconds on Sunday to win the men’s 5K at USA Outdoors in 13:24.37. Credit: FloTrack
Minneapolis (HOL) - In a spectacular display of resilience and skill, former Northern Arizona University NCAA Indoor champion Abdihamid Nur clinched his maiden victory in the men's 5000m at the 2023 USATF Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon. The race, held on a sweltering Sunday afternoon, saw Nur running a decisive final lap in 53.7 seconds, sealing his win at 13:24.37.
From Slow Start to Lightning Finish
The initial slow pace of the 5000m on the fourth day at the Championships seemed to favour the 10,000m champion Woody Kincaid, known for his impressive kick. Yet, when the pace quickened with three laps remaining, it was Nur who surged forward with a speed Kincaid couldn't match.
With a strategic move in the final laps, Nur further intensified the race, running 57.8 seconds for the penultimate lap before storming through the final circuit in 53.7 seconds. Only two-time Olympic medalist Paul Chelimo could approach Nur's blistering pace, falling half a second short to claim second place.
A Look at the Runners
Nur's training under Mike Smith, Northern Arizona University coach, has proven fruitful, not only for Nur himself but also for his teammates. Smith's coaching has seen victories in both men's and women's divisions, reflecting the strength of the training setup in Flagstaff, Arizona.
In the wake of his victory, Nur stated: "I just went for it and believed in myself. It shows the strength of our squad. We have the best coach in the world, and we train in the best place in the world. It feels good for all of us to come out with the win."
Kincaid's performance didn't match his expectations, finishing ninth with a time of 13:30.84. He admitted that the strain from the 10,000m event took a toll on his performance. However, he remains optimistic about the upcoming World Championships in Budapest.
Comparisons to Global Standards
The world leader in the men's 5000m in 2023 is Ethiopian Olympian Berihu Aregawi, who boasts a time of 12:40.45. Among American runners, Kincaid holds the best time at 12:54.40, while Nur, the World Championships finalist, is ranked 30th at 13:05.17.
Nur's rise to prominence is impressive, especially given his journey from Somalia to representing his new country globally. "I'm just a Somali kid at heart. The US gave me the opportunity to achieve my goals," he said.
As he looks ahead to the World Championships in Budapest, Nur remains unfazed by the challenge, confident in his training and the strength of his squad. As he puts it, "We'll be ready for anything."