Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui claimed victory in the women’s race at the Great North Run, with Britain’s Eilish McColgan settling for third place after a hard-fought battle in challenging conditions.
Chepkirui, 34, crossed the finish line in 1:09:32, five seconds ahead of her compatriot Vivian Cheruiyot. McColgan mounted a late push but ultimately finished 10 seconds behind the winner.
“It was really nice, but there was a lot of wind,” Chepkirui said after her triumph.
The race marked McColgan’s third appearance at the event, where she had hoped to follow in the footsteps of her mother, Liz, a former winner. Despite missing out, the Scot praised the atmosphere.
“It was tough conditions today,” said McColgan, also 34. “We had a headwind pretty much the whole race until that final mile, so times were sort of out of the window early doors. We were a lot slower than we set off last year. There was no rain compared to last year, and the crowds were out in force, so it was a special day.”
In the men’s race, Kenya’s Alex Mutiso, 28, surged ahead in the closing stages to win in 1:00:52. Belgium’s Bashir Abdi followed six seconds later in second place, while last year’s champion Abel Kipchumba of Kenya finished third, nine seconds off the pace. Ben Connor was the highest-placed Briton, coming fourth in 1:02:57.
In the men’s wheelchair division, Britain’s Sean Frame took control early and secured victory in 49:24, adding to his 2021 title. Simon Lawson placed second in 52:38, with Anton Shepherd third in 54:21.
“A bit of a headwind all the way, but it was an amazing race,” Frame said. “I was second last year; it didn’t bother me that much. I just focused on this year – putting on the best performance I could and just using my strengths – and it paid off.”
Great Britain also celebrated success in the women’s wheelchair race, with Mel Nicholls taking the win in 1:05:24. Italy’s Rita Curuccu finished runner-up in 1:22:22.
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