Chaumeton eyes World Champs after setting 13:13 5km SA Record in Japan

Exactly one week after winning the second SA 5000m title of his career, Maxime Chaumeton has improved on his own national 5km record. Chaumeton took part in today's (3 May) Tokyo: Speed: Race in Japan which was organised by his sponsor Asics. Lining up alongside a host of talented East Africans, the 24-year-old took fourth position in 13:11 to break his own record by seven seconds.

"I was invited to run the Asics race for my brand. I came here with the target of lowering my record even further because this record is one of those that Adriaan (Wildschutt) doesn't have.  I have been in good shape which gave me the confidence to attack the record and then I did it on race day," he told #TheTopRunner.

Chaumeton competing in Europe in Asics. Photo Credit: Alex Nichi.

Reflecting to the remarkable performance that saw him stun multiple SA Record holder Wildschutt to win the 5000m at the Ken McArthur Stadium in Potchefstroom in 13:44, Chamueton believes his win came as the result of his brave decision to lead the race from the start. He says he knew that Wildschutt would be a little bit tired after dipping under 27 minutes in a 10 000m track race in United States of America and then setting a new SA 10km record with a lightning fast 27:28 during the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K just two weeks later.

"I knew that would be the only way to make Adriaan tired. He has been racing a lot of late. He was racing overseas and came in South Africa to break the record (SA 10km record). The only way to do it is to go in the front, believe in yourself and don't let the chasing bunch catch you. By doing so, you know that you have at least secured your second position. I think the 1 500m speed helped me during the last lap," he shared. 

Chaumeton celebrates victory in the 5000m at the 2025 Athletics South Africa (ASA) Senior Track & Field Championships in Potchefstroom. Photo Credit: Central Gauteng Athletics (CGA) Media.

Completing the first half of the year with a maiden national title and an SA record ogres well for the first South African to dip under 28 minutes for 10km on home soil. And as the third fastest SA 10km athlete of all time (27:36) behind Wildschutt and training partner Precious Mashele (27:35), the man who is coached by Hendrick Ramaala at Zoo Lake says next on his to-do list is making his World Championships debut in Tokyo in September.

"I'm not moving to the 10,000m event just yet because I've always believed that the event is a marathon on the track. 5km on the track is how we are going to qualify for Tokyo."