Attending the Podium 5km at Barrowford, Lancashire on Saturday 3 April, Beth Potter recorded a world-beating 5km run with a time of 14:41.

Enjoying a flat course on a cool Lancashire evening, the Scottish athlete, running for Shaftesbury & Barnet smashed her own previous personal best across the 5km distance of 15:24. The previous record was set only a few months ago by Kenya’s Beatrice Chepkoech, as she completed the Monaco Run in just 14:43.

Long-distance runner, Paula Radcliffe had set the British record of 14:51, at The Flora Light Challenge in Hyde Park in 2003 and whilst formalities may restrict Potter’s run from being officially recorded as a record-breaking feat, the astonishing run has stunned the running world and will still be recognised as the fastest women’s 5km road race.

Tom Mortimer, Phil Sesseman and Andrew Heyes were the fastest overall on the day, with Jonny Brownlee finishing in fourth place with a time of 13:46. Potter was joined in the women’s top three by Mhairi MacLennan, who finished in 15:47, and Revee Walcott Nolan (15:50). Potter crossed the finish line in shock upon discovering her incredible time.

Potter represented Great Britain at the 2016 Olympics at Rio de Janerio, racing across the 10,000m distance. The following year she turned her attention to swim, bike and run, winning a gold medal soon after at the 2017 Funchal ETU Sprint Triathlon European Cup.

From there, Potter has graced the podium numerous times and claimed top spot at both the 2019 Weert ETU Triathlon European Championships and the 2020 Valencia ITU Triathlon World Cup. Potter has continued to adapt herself in the sporting world, most recently being crowned the winner of the Super League Triathlon Arena Games London 2021.

Podium 5km also featured another record breaking run from Welsh triathlete Osian Perrin. Perrin smashed the Welsh under-20s record over the 5km distance with a 14:02 finish.