LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Habtom Samuel’s dominance knows no limits.
Just four days ahead of NCAA West Regionals, the New Mexico junior ran 12:57.23 — not only a new collegiate record and Eritrean national record, but the fastest time in the world — as he won the Men’s 5,000m in a field loaded with Olympians and professionals at the LA Track Fest Saturday night at UCLA.
1️⃣2️⃣:5️⃣7️⃣.2️⃣2️⃣ 🤯@HabtomSamuel31 DROPS a loaded field for the fastest time in the world and an Eritrean National Record and Collegiate Record at UCLA! pic.twitter.com/HSKFHVMAAD
— New Mexico XC/T&F (@UNMLoboXCTF) May 24, 2026
He now holds the three fastest outdoor 5,000m individual performances in collegiate history and the second-fastest all-conditions performance indoors or outdoors, trailing Nico Young's indoor 12:57.14 performance in 2024 by less than a tenth of a second.
The previous Eritrean record of 12:59.27 had stood for almost 20 years, set by Zersenay Tadese -- the first Eritrean Olympic medalist -- on July 14, 2006 in Rome.
It’s the second time Samuel has broken the NCAA Outdoor 5,000m record this season but his first time dipping below the 13-minute mark — an achievement he says he’s been chasing for nearly four years.
“I’m so happy I got the national record — it’s been held for 10 years so that’s really amazing,” Samuel said. “I’m in the meat of the season but I feel like I’m going to do under 13 this time [at NCAA Outdoor Championships].
“I’m just glad I chose this race — really fast, awesome race. I’m over the moon today.”
Post-race with @HabtomSamuel31 after his first Sub-13 5K for a new NCAA and Eritrean Record! pic.twitter.com/QdZZXvDvCo
— New Mexico XC/T&F (@UNMLoboXCTF) May 24, 2026
He was the only athlete in the field to break 13 minutes, crossing 6.70 seconds ahead of the next-fastest finisher, Gulveer Singh (13:03.93). The time will count as an NCAA record and not towards regionals qualification, but Samuel had already ensured he’d compete in Fayetteville next week with a 13:03 nation-leading performance at the Bryan Clay Invitational in Azusa, Calif. -- at the time, that time stood as the collegiate outdoor record in the event.
"Couldn't be happier for Habtom," said UNM Head Coach Darren Gauson. "He hasn't backed away from any challenge this year and he hasn't lost his hunger to prove himself ... He's healthy and we're really excited to see what he can do in June."