Katirshine at Monaco: European 5,000m Record and Road to Budapest
Spaniard Mohamed Katir delivered a standout performance in Monaco as part of the World Cup preparations ahead of the events scheduled to begin in Budapest within weeks. He clocked an impressive 12:45.01 in the 5,000 meters, setting a new European mark on the track at the Louis II stadium.
The feat followed a historic indoor season this past February, when Katir shaved 3.44 seconds off the existing European indoor 3,000 meters record previously held since 2021 by Jakob Ingebrigtsen, whose time stood at 12:48.45. The Monaco result extended Katir’s rapidly rising profile and reinforced his status as a serious threat at major championships.
Yet the performance also served as a message to rivals ahead of the World Cups in Budapest. Katir arrived in Monaco after several high-altitude trainings and may have finished fourth in a race won by Ethiopian Hagos Gebrhiwet with a time of 12:42.18, a result that underscored the competitive depth of the field.
The all-time world record for 5,000 meters on this course still sits at 12:35.36, set by an Ugandan athlete at the same stadium in 2020. Organizers keep the world mark in sight, but Katir remained focused on his own rapid improvement rather than chasing the record alone.
Throughout the race, a relentless pack of Ethiopians and Kenyans pressed into the final stretch, leaving the outcome in doubt until the last meters. Katir acknowledged the strength of his adversaries and explained to the organizers that his immediate aim in Monaco was to challenge the European record set by Ingebrigtsen, a target he surpassed in spirit even as he settled into a podium position. The final meters reflected the high intensity of the competition and the Spaniard’s determination to push for a historic mark.
Commenting after the race, Katir spoke about his broader objective. He said that breaking the European record was the main goal, and he was thrilled to have achieved that milestone while still competing at the highest level. The Murcia-born athlete, who will soon shift focus to the Budapest World Cups, also noted that he plans to compete at the Spanish Championship in Torrent, Valencia next week as part of his preparation.
Looking ahead, Katir emphasized that his next target is qualification for Budapest through the Spanish Championship. While the World Cups loom large in his plans, he did not downplay the importance of ongoing national events as a stepping stone toward global glory. His remarks also highlighted his recent successes, including a bronze in the 1,500 meters at the Eugene World Championships and a silver medal in the European 5,000 meters in Munich, which add credibility to his Budapest ambitions. The audience left the course with a clear sense that Katir is a contender whose best performances could come at the decisive events of the season.
In sum, Monaco provided a vivid indicator of Katir’s form and a preview of the challenges awaiting him in Budapest. As he continues to refine his speed and stamina, observers will watch closely to see if he can convert European record pace into a medal haul at the World Cups and beyond, redefining his place among Europe’s sprinting middle-distance standouts. These results reinforce Katir’s status as one of the sport’s most intriguing talents and set the stage for a compelling season ahead.