On June 8, Vilnius Vingis Parks Athletics Stadium will host the sixth Vilnius 5000, as well as the Lithuanian Athletics Federation (LLAF) Cup 5000 m running competition. Perhaps the fastest Lithuanian 5000 m race offers participants the opportunity to overcome not only this distance, but also to test their strength in the 5×1000 m relay race.
The first-ever competition, which brings together professionals and amateurs and is organized annually by the Love Streams Running Club and LLAF, attracted 2020 participants in 28. This year, around 100 are expected to participate. In addition, there will be competitions for children who are just taking their first steps into athletics.
This year event will be unique in that it will aim to break the 5000 m "All-comers" record (the best result achieved in Lithuania). This title has belonged to Valentin Zotov, who covered the 5000 m distance in Vilnius in 13 min. 40 sec. The result recorded almost half a century ago will be tried to be improved by those currently camping in the French highlands and considering this start as a priority of the season. Giedrius Valinčius ir Simas Bertašius.
Giedriu holds the Lithuanian 10 km running record, and his personal best in the 5000 m race is 13 min. 46,77 sec. S. Bertašius, the Lithuanian record holder in the 1000 m, 1500 m, 1 mile and 1500 m indoor races, most likely ran the 5000 m distance in 13 min. 48,96 sec. For comparison, the Lithuanian 5000 m record since 1979 belongs to To Alexander Antipov (13 min. 17,9 sec.).
"The mission of the competition is to create the best possible conditions for everyone who aspires to run the fastest 5000 m of their lives, and to create a real running celebration for both participants and spectators. We invite everyone who is not planning to run to come to the stadium and support their friends, relatives, colleagues and all other runners. Let's create a real bathhouse of support," said the coach of the Love Streams Running club. Arnas Gabrėnas.
In the competitions that promote athletics and raise the skill of athletes, participants will compete for cash prizes, the LLAF Cup, and gifts from sponsors. In addition, the organizers promise cash prizes for achieving competition, "All-comers," and Lithuanian records.
Last year, the fastest in the Vilnius 5000 competition was Lukas Tarasevich (14 min. 40,31 sec.) and Aukse Linkute (16 min. 49,30 sec.). Both of them improved their personal records, and A. Linkutė will defend her title of winner this year as well.
