Sifan Hassan, the renowned Dutch star and Olympic champion marked her season debut in the 5000m with a victory in a High Performance race at the Stumptown Twilight Meet – Rose City Mile event on Saturday (24) in Portland, Oregon. The meeting provided several athletes with another qualifying opportunity and tune-up chance heading into championship season.
While her winning time of 14:55.05 may not have been record-breaking close to her personal best of 14:22.12, Hassan’s triumph this weekend played a vital role in her ongoing preparations for the upcoming World Championships 2023 in Budapest this August.
The versatile endurance athlete went to the front from the start of the race and dictated the tempo all the way. Her performance remained consistent throughout the race, with solid splits of 2:59.66 for the initial 1000m, 5:58.28 for the subsequent 2000m, and 5:57.20 for the final 2000m.
This victory adds to Hassan’s pair of successes this season at the FBK Games in the 1500m and 10,000m. She also won the London Marathon on her debut over the distance in April.
Taking second place on Saturday in the women’s 5000m was Alessia Zarbo, who completed the race in 16:28.07.
Securing the third position was Hannah Branch, with a finishing time of 16:30.52.
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Sinclaire Johnson secures statement win at Stumptown Twilight
The women’s 1500m title at the Stumptown Twilight Meet went to US champion and home crowd favorite Sinclaire Johnson, who clocked a season-best time of 4:00.77, the second-fastest time in her career.
Looking ahead to the USATF Championships in two weeks’ time, Johnson said, “I think I am ready.”
She, did, however, add that: “I think you’re going to have to be in sub-four-minute shape to make the team, and that’s how it’s going to be.”
Johnson has a personal best time of 3:58.85, set last May at the Prefontaine Classic.
She comfortably beat BROOKS Beasts Track Club duo Laurie Barton and Allie Buchalski, who crossed the finish line at a distant 4:08.68 and 4:10.21, respectively.
Rose City Mile Women’s High Performance 5000m Results
| Place | Name | Final Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sifan Hassan | 14:55.05 |
| 2 | Alessia Zarbo | 16:28.07 |
| 3 | Hannah Branch | 16:30.52 |
| 4 | Lindsey Adams | 16:54.06 |
For complete results, click here
