NEWCASTLE, England (Sept. 10) – British distance-running icon Sir Mo Farah concluded his storied competitive career with a fourth-place finish at the 2023 Great North Run half-marathon here in Newcastle on Sunday. The six-time winner of the event completed the race in 1:03:28.
Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola ran away with the victory today and then waited to greet Farah at the line, while Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir dominated the women’s race.
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A Sentimental Farewell For Mo Farah
Sporting a bib labeled “Sir Mo,” Farah was greeted by throngs of supporters as he made his way down the home stretch, exchanging high-fives with the crowd.
“There was a lot going through my mind today,” Farah told the BBC. “I wanted to end my career here in Newcastle, a place where I’ve celebrated numerous victories.”
Emotional Reflections From Farah
Farah, who has battled injuries in recent years, expressed his mixed feelings about stepping away from the sport, adding that although he’s delighted to close out his competitive career at the Great North Run, he would have also loved his final race to be at the Olympics.
“All I know is running, and that is what made me happy for so many years,” he added. “Running is everything to me. Running is what saved me.
“I’ve won it six times and had some amazing memories. It’s really important to come out here and give my support to the crowd.”
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Race Winners and Additional Stats
In the midst of the Mo Farah celebrations, Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola, and countrywoman Peres Jepchirchir were dominating.
Tola, the 2022 world marathon champion, clinched the men’s race with a time of 59:58.
Behind was Belgium’s Bashid Abdi, who finished as the runner-up in 1:22:00, while third place went to Ethiopia’s Muktar Edris.
All three men waited around at the finishing line to give Mo Farah a hug in his professional finale.
On the women’s side, meanwhile, Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir broke away from the rest of the field and went on to seal the predicted victory.
The Olympic marathon champion emerged victorious in the heat, clocking in at 1:06:45.
A Legacy Cemented For Mo Farah
The 40-year-old Farah leaves behind an unparalleled legacy, including six world championships and four Olympic gold medals.
His remarkable achievements in the 5,000m and 10,000m races at the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics remain one of track and field’s iconic moments.
For more information on the Great North Run and other athletic events, visit The Event’s Website Here.
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