Sheila Chepkirui Triumphs at Great North Run as Alex Mutiso Wins Men’s Race

Posted : 08 September 2025

Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui emerged victorious in the women’s race at the Great North Run, finishing in one hour, nine minutes, and 32 seconds. Vivian Cheruiyot followed closely, five seconds behind, while Britain’s Eilish McColgan claimed third place, finishing 10 seconds off the lead. McColgan, taking part in her third Great North Run, hoped to emulate her mother Liz by securing a first-time win but faced challenging headwind conditions throughout the race.

Chepkirui, 34, described the race as demanding due to the strong wind. “It was really nice but there was a lot of wind,” she said, highlighting the challenging conditions that slowed the pace compared to last year. McColgan echoed the sentiment, noting that despite calmer weather without rain and enthusiastic crowds, the headwind made achieving fast times difficult.

In the men’s race, Kenya’s Alex Mutiso powered ahead in the final stages to finish in one hour and 52 seconds. Belgium’s Bashir Abdi finished six seconds behind, while last year’s winner, Kenya’s Abel Kipchumba, came in third, nine seconds off the lead. Ben Connor was the top British finisher, securing fourth place in 1:02.57.

The men’s wheelchair race was dominated by Britain’s Sean Frame, who took the win in 49:24, adding to his 2021 victory. Simon Lawson and Anton Shepherd completed the podium. Frame praised his strategy and strength despite the persistent headwind, saying his focus on delivering his best performance paid off. In the women’s wheelchair race, Great Britain’s Mel Nicholls crossed the line first in 1:05.24, ahead of Italy’s Rita Curuccu.

Meanwhile, London hosted the Big Half, where Jack Rowe claimed his third victory, equaling Mo Farah’s record with a time of 1:04.08. He narrowly beat Mo Aadan and Weynay Ghebresilasie to the finish line. Rowe described the race as both challenging and enjoyable due to windy conditions and a competitive field.

Jess Warner-Judd triumphed in the women’s Big Half, finishing in 1:10.35 after a year of health challenges, including epilepsy and trauma therapy. Fellow Britons Abbie Donnelly and Samantha Harris took second and third. Warner-Judd said the race offered a fresh start as she adjusts to road running after difficulties on the track.

In the wheelchair categories, David Weir won the men’s race for a record fourth time, clocking 46:58, despite recovering from a recent training accident. Eden Rainbow-Cooper claimed the women’s wheelchair title in 54:31. Weir described his performance as a positive step toward regaining full fitness ahead of the Berlin Marathon.

Sheila Chepkirui Triumphs at Great North Run as Alex Mutiso Wins Men’s Race

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