Obiri defends Great North Run title
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.
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.
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.
