Mullarkey Claims British 5000m Title After Dramatic Championship Battle

The men’s 5000m final at the 2026 Novuna UK Athletics Championships delivered one of the most compelling races of the weekend, with the outcome remaining uncertain until the closing stages despite a field packed with established international performers.

From the gun, Jake Smith was determined to force the pace, as the athletes settled into the early laps. His aggressive approach stretched the field and ensured there would be little opportunity for the favourites to sit back and wait for a sprint finish.

As the race developed, however, the script began to change. Several of the pre-race contenders found themselves losing contact with the leading group as the relentless pace took its toll. What had started as a tactical championship race gradually evolved into a test of endurance, resilience and positioning.

Scott Beattie made a brave break in the later stages, but his move proved premature.

The pace continued to increase and the championship remained impossible to call as the athletes approached the final laps.

When the decisive moves came,Beattie dropped as Mullarkey proved strongest. Producing a powerful finish, he crossed the line to secure the British title in 13:27.00. Behind him, Andrew Butchart claimed silver in 13:27.52, with James West taking bronze in 13:27.75 after an engrossing battle that saw less than a second separate the first three finishers.

Scott Beattie’s decisive break failed to secure a podium place but he finished an impressive fourth in 13:30.28, while Jack Kavanagh produced a personal best of 13:36.39 in fifth place. Further personal best performances came from Joe Wigfield and Oscar Bell, underlining the quality and depth of the field.

With favourites dropping away, early leaders forcing the pace and the medals undecided until the closing stages, the men’s 5000m final provided championship racing at its very best and was one of the highlights of the Birmingham programme.

Photos: Bill Scriven – Running In Focus