Kenya’s long-distance dominance was once again on display at the 2025 Great North Run, as Sheila Chepkirui stormed to victory in the women’s race while compatriot Alex Mutiso clinched the men’s title in Newcastle. The event, which is one of the world’s most prestigious half marathons, saw elite athletes from Kenya, Britain, Belgium, and beyond battling tough conditions marked by strong winds, while thousands of fans lined the route to cheer on the competitors.
In the women’s elite field, 34-year-old Chepkirui powered through the blustery conditions to win in a time of 1:09:32, edging out fellow Kenyan Vivian Cheruiyot, who crossed the line five seconds later. Great Britain’s Eilish McColgan, competing in her third Great North Run and hoping to emulate her mother Liz McColgan’s legendary win, fought hard in the closing stages but finished third, just 10 seconds behind Chepkirui. McColgan admitted the conditions were brutal: “It was tough today. We had a headwind pretty much the whole race until that final mile. The crowds were amazing, and it felt special despite the slower times.”
In the men’s race, Kenya’s 28-year-old Alex Mutiso surged ahead in the latter stages, clocking 1:00:52 for a decisive victory. Belgium’s Olympic medalist Bashir Abdi came in six seconds later, while last year’s champion, Abel Kipchumba of Kenya, settled for third, nine seconds behind the winner. Britain’s Ben Connor impressed with a strong fourth-place finish in 1:02:57, making him the highest-placed Brit in the men’s field.
The wheelchair races also provided spectacular performances. Britain’s Sean Frame dominated the men’s wheelchair event, finishing in 49:24 and adding to his 2021 title. Simon Lawson was runner-up in 52:38, with Anton Shepherd third in 54:21. Frame, who finished second last year, said: “It was all about focusing on my strengths and putting together the best performance possible and it paid off.” In the women’s wheelchair division, Britain’s Mel Nicholls captured the title with a commanding time of 1:05:24, finishing well ahead of Italy’s Rita Curuccu. Nicholls described the course as both challenging and exhilarating: “The wind was crazy, and so much of it felt uphill, but I loved it.”
Elsewhere in London, the annual Big Half marathon showcased more British talent. Jack Rowe wrote his name into the history books by equalling Sir Mo Farah’s record of three Big Half victories. Rowe finished first in 1:04:08, followed by Mo Aadan in 1:04:46 and Weynay Ghebresilasie in 1:04:53. Rowe praised the atmosphere and competitive spirit, saying: “It was a fun but cagey race because of the wind, but it’s always a privilege to compete here.”
Jess Warner-Judd made a powerful comeback story in the women’s Big Half, winning in 1:10:35 after a challenging year battling health setbacks and starting trauma therapy following a collapse in Rome’s European Championships in 2024. She was joined on the podium by Abbie Donnelly and Samantha Harris, who both clocked strong performances. Warner-Judd expressed gratitude: “It has been such a hard year, but I am enjoying the roads again and hoping to build towards the track in the future.”
British wheelchair legend David Weir once again proved his class, claiming his fourth Big Half men’s wheelchair title with a new course record of 46:58, despite recovering from a serious accident just weeks ago. Meanwhile, Eden Rainbow-Cooper sealed victory in the women’s wheelchair race with a swift 54:31 finish, adding to Britain’s tally of wins. Weir reflected on his comeback: “After the accident in July, I wasn’t sure I would even race, but this shows I still have more in the tank ahead of the Berlin Marathon.”
The Great North Run and the Big Half not only highlighted the dominance of Kenyan athletes on the global stage but also showcased the resilience, spirit, and determination of British runners and wheelchair athletes. With tens of thousands of participants and spectators celebrating endurance and unity through sport, both events underlined their status as highlights on the international athletics calendar.
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