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.
It’s the second time he’s broken the NCAA Outdoor 5,000m record this season but his first time dipping below the 13-minute mark — an achievement Samuel says he’s been chasing for 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 13:05 nation-leading performance at Bryan Clay.
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