Chepkirui Claims Great North Run Victory

Kenya dominated this year’s Great North Run as Sheila Chepkirui stormed to victory in the women’s category, finishing ahead of compatriot Vivian Cheruiyot, while Britain’s Eilish McColgan had to settle for third place.

Chepkirui, 34, crossed the line in 1:09:32, just five seconds clear of Cheruiyot. McColgan followed another five seconds later, unable to close the gap despite a strong final push. “It felt good, but the wind made it really tough,” Chepkirui said after her win.

For McColgan, the race carried extra meaning. Running her third Great North Run, she had been hoping to match the achievement of her mother, Liz, who once triumphed in the event. “Conditions were difficult with the headwind almost the entire way,” said the 34-year-old Scot. “We were off the pace compared to last year, but with no rain and such an amazing crowd, it was still a great experience.”

In the men’s race, Kenya’s Alex Mutiso, 28, surged clear late on to claim victory in 1:00:52. Belgium’s Bashir Abdi followed six seconds later in second place, while defending champion Abel Kipchumba of Kenya finished third, nine seconds behind the winner. Britain’s Ben Connor was the top home finisher, clocking 1:02:57 for fourth.

The wheelchair races also produced standout performances. In the men’s event, Briton Sean Frame set the pace early and never looked back, winning in 49:24 and adding another title to the one he claimed in 2021. Simon Lawson placed second in 52:38, and Anton Shepherd completed the podium with 54:21. “The headwind made it challenging, but I stayed focused on delivering my best performance—and it paid off,” Frame said.

In the women’s wheelchair race, Britain’s Mel Nicholls secured victory in 1:05:24, ahead of Italy’s Rita Curuccu, who crossed in 1:22:22.