World double champion Jacob Kiplimo could be the first Ugandan to win an elite title in the Great North Run after topping the half marathon race on Sunday in North England.
He clocked 59:33 to claim sovereignty in the men’s category, winning by over a minute against 10,000m Olympic champion Selemon Barega (1:00:39) and Kenenisa Bekele (1:01:01).
The half marathon was deemed to be a decent tribute to Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II who passed on mid-week.
From winning the 500 and 1000m golds at the CommonWealth games in Birmingham recently, Kiplimo could be tailored to dominate as he grinned with excitement after adding this title to the other achievements and records the 21-year-Old has already set.
In the women’s category Kenyan Hellen Obiri defended her title after finishing at 01:07.05, ahead of Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir who clocked at 01:07:7, to climax late by two seconds.
“I am happy I have retained my title and how I have run today. Last year was slightly difficult due to the restrictions imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus but this year the crowds were out there cheering on us. The competition was good but I told myself that I am the best and gave my all throughout. I can’t wait for my debut in the marathon.” Obiri told Athletics Weekly shortly after the race.
Ethiopia’s 10,000m champion in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games Almaz Ayana came third to win a bronze after timing 01:07.10.
The Great North Run is a half marathon event that takes place in North East England each September. Participants run between Newcastle upon Tyne and South Shields.
The run was inaugurated by former Olympic 10,000 m bronze medallist and BBC Sport commentator Brendan in 1981, making the 2022 edition its 41st anniversary.
