Eritrea's Dawit Seare (R) crosses the finish line ahead of Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen in Copenhagen

Copenhagen (AFP) - Eritrean distance runner Dawit Seare shocked Norwegian favourite Jakob Ingebrigtsen to snatch the 5km gold at the world road running championships in Copenhagen on Saturday.

Two-time Olympic and world champion Ingebrigtsen finished second in a very fast-paced race through the streets of the Danish capital.

Ingebrigtsen, 26, had remained hidden in the leading pack, trailing over 10 metres behind his rival at one point.

The 21-year-old Seare took the lead about 1km from the finish.

Ingebrigtsen, who won European gold in August and the Ultimate 5,000m title last week after returning from injury, attempted a late surge past a grimacing Seare with the finish line in sight.

But African 5,000m champion Seare held on to cross in 12min 56sec with Ingebrigtsen second in 12:59 and another Eritrean, Saymon Amanuel, 19, third in 13:00.

Ethiopian Likina Amebaw won the women’s 5km in 14:41 ahead of Kenyan Caroline Makandi Gitonga (14:48) and Australian Rose Davies (14:50).