1997 World Championships in Athletics – Women's 5000 metres Results First round

| Heat | Rank_ | Name_ | Result_ | Notes_ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 32 | Helena Javornik (SLO) | 16:28.38 |  |
| 1 | 33 | Justine Nahimana (BUR) | 17:21.77 |  |
| 1 | 34 | Nebiat Habtemariam (ERI) | 18:26.50 |  |
| 1 | 35 | Zalia Aliou (TOG) | 18:34.45 | NR |
| 1 | 36 | Martha Portobanco (NCA) | 19:08.44 |  |
| 2 | — | Anne Hare (NZL) | DNF |  |
| 2 | — | Kristina da Fonseca-Wollheim (GER) | DNF |  |
| 1 | — | Maysa Matrood (IRQ) | DNS |  |
| 1 | — | Elana Meyer (RSA) | DNS |  |
| 2 | — | Carol Howe (CAN) | DNS |  |
| 2 | — | Annemari Sandell (FIN) | DNS |  |