by Alfonz Juck
Brigid Kosgei, photo by PhotoRun.net
Mo Farah, photo by PhotoRun.net
The Grreat North Run is part of an excellent weekend of athletics sponsored by the Great Run Company, headed by Paul Foster, son of Brendan Foster, founder of said company. They have several events across UK, as well as ownership of iconic media platform, Athletics Weekly. This is EME update on the GNR.
Fast half by Brigid Kosgei, Farah wins
NEWCASTLE (GBR, Sep 8): Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei ran the fastest ever half marathon, winning the Great North Run in 64:28 (30:53 at 10km 49:21 at 10 miles) ahead of teammates Magdalyne Masai (67:36), Linet Masai (67:44) and Mary Keitany (67:58). Kosgei’s time will not be ratified as a world record though due to the downhill elevation of the course. Brit Charlotte Purdue was an excellent fifth in 68:10 ahead of Australians Sinead Diver (69:32) and Ellie Pashley (69:38). In the men’s race Mo Farah ran down Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola to win his sixth Great North Run title – 59:07 to 59:13. Abdi Nageeye from the Netherland also broke the 60 minute-barrier in third in 59:55 with Callum Hawkins fourth in 60:39 ahead of the World Championships. Also good European performances from Belgium’s Bashir Abdi (61:11), Italy’s Eyob Faniel (61:25) and Spain’s Daniel Meteo (61:34) to make up the top seven.
