Ottawa Woman Unofficially Breaks Masters 5k World Record
When participants lined up at the starting line for the Run Ottawa road races this summer, they didn't know a world record breaking athlete was in their midst. Among the starters was up-and-coming Canadian track star Amelia Van Brabant,1 but it would be a relatively unknown competitor who would cause an unexpected upset and go on to take the women’s first place spot in the Canada Day 5K.
In a remarkable feat of athleticism, Kaylee Horn, an Ottawa woman and Captain in the Royal Canadian Air Force, stunned the running community by unofficially breaking the World Masters Athletics W50 5K record. Competing in the 50-59 age category, Horn showcased her exceptional athletic prowess and demonstrated unrivalled dominance in her age group. Clocking in at an astounding time of 16 minutes and 30 seconds, Horn obliterated the official world record of 16 minutes and 51.17 seconds, set by Gitte Karlshøj of Denmark back in 2009.2
Unfazed by the presence of younger athletes, Horn crossed the finish line in 7th place overall, showcasing her tenacity. Out of the hundreds participating in the 5k road race, Horn was outperformed by only six young male runners. Her remarkable feat highlights the extraordinary level of her achievement and proves that age is just a number.
Notably, Horn finished a staggering 54 seconds ahead of the nearest competitor in her gender category, the formidable Amelia Van Brabant racing in the 15-19 age group, who placed 15th overall with a time of 17 minutes and 24 seconds. The full results for all age and gender categories can be confirmed on the Sports Stats website.3
The running world now awaits with bated breath to witness what extraordinary accomplishments Kaylee Horn sets her sights on next. With her incredible talent and unwavering determination, she continues to motivate and remind us all that with hard work and passion, nothing is impossible.
“Amelia van BRABANT | Profile | World Athletics.” Worldathletics.org, worldathletics.org/athletes/canada/amelia-van-brabant-14949300. Accessed 20 Sept. 2023. Archived at https://archive.ph/sHJFL.
“World Masters Athletics INDOOR RECORDS - WOMEN.” World Masters Athletics, world-masters-athletics.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Outdoor-Women-2023.pdf. Accessed 20 Sept. 2023. Archived via the Wayback Machine.
“Sportstats - Race Results.” Www.sportstats.ca, www.sportstats.ca/display-results.xhtml?raceid=116367. Accessed 20 Sept. 2023. Archived at https://archive.ph/zTEp5.