Shelby Houlihan Earns American Record at Night of Athletics in Heusden

By Adam Kopet

Shelby Houlihan broke the American record in the 5,000 meters Saturday at the Night of Athletics in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium.

Houlihan, paced by Bowerman Track Club teammate Shalane Flanagan, won the 5,000 in 14:34.45, breaking the previous record of 14:38.92, set by Shannon Rowbury in 2016. In addition to being the fastest time ever run by an American, Houlihan's effort ranks her as the No. 39 performer of all-time.

RESULTS

The women's 5,000 in Heusden-Zolder featured a strong contingent of Americans and U.S.-based athletes. Finishing second was former American record holder Molly Huddle in 15:01.44. Karissa Schweizer, racing for the first time in the Bowerman Track Club singlet, finished third in 15:02.44. Dominique Scott of South Africa was fourth in 15:04.14.

In all, seven Americans finished the 5,000. All of them ran under 15:14.

Full results for the 2018 Night of Athletics in Heusden-Zolder are available here.