Hello

Your subscription is almost coming to an end. Don’t miss out on the great content on Nation.Africa

Ready to continue your informative journey with us?

Hello

Your premium access has ended, but the best of Nation.Africa is still within reach. Renew now to unlock exclusive stories and in-depth features.

Reclaim your full access. Click below to renew.

Subscribe for a month to get full access

Obiri defends Great North Run title

Hellen Obiri

USA's Karissa Schweizer (centre) and Kenya's Hellen Obiri (right) compete in the women's 10,000m final during the World Athletics Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon on July 16, 2022.

Photo credit: Jewel Samad | AFP

By  Bernard Rotich

Reporter

NMG Sport

What you need to know:

  • Obiri, who clocked a faster time compared to last year, beat compatriot and Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir to second place
  • The Ngong-based Obiri broke away early with a pack of four in pursuit before she sprinted to the finish line timing 67:05 ahead of Jepchirchir who clocked 67:07 while Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana settled for third place in 67:10
  • In the men’s category, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo, who is also the world half marathon record holder, bagged victory after timing 59:33 on his debut in the race


Hellen Obiri Sunday beat a competitive field to successfully defend her Great North Run title in United Kingdom. 

Obiri, who clocked a faster time compared to last year, beat compatriot and Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir to second place.

The Ngong-based Obiri broke away early with a pack of four in pursuit before she sprinted to the finish line timing 67:05 ahead of Jepchirchir who clocked 67:07 while Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana settled for third place in 67:10.

Related

Obiri, who will be competing in New York Marathon in November, said that she was happy to have lowered her previous time in the race and that was a good sign ahead of her big assignment.

“I’m happy to have defended my title today and ran a faster time compared to last year. I believe this was a result of the race being so competitive,” said Obiri.

In the men’s category, Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo, who is also the world half marathon record holder, bagged victory after timing 59:33 on his debut in the race.

Ethiopians Selemon Barega (60:39) and Kenenisa Bekele (61:01) were in second and third positions respectively.

The three were in a close contest as they crossed the 10km mark in 28:54 before Kiplimo broke off and went for the prize. 

The race returned to its traditional course with a number of fans lining up to cheer the athletes despite mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth II. 

In the headlines