Great North Run 2025 elite field announced with defending champion Abel Kipchumba and Eilish McColgan leading star-studded lineup. Live on BBC One from 10:00 am UK time 5:00 am ET.
Race Day Schedule and Coverage
The elite races begin with specific start times throughout the morning:
- 10:20 AM – Elite Wheelchair Athletes
- 10:25 AM – Elite Women
- 10:27 AM – Visually Impaired Athletes
- 10:50 AM – Elite Men and Mass Start
How to Watch
Fans can follow all the action live on multiple platforms:
UK Coverage:
- BBC One: Live broadcast from 10:00 AM
- BBC iPlayer: Streaming from 10:00 AM
International Coverage:
- Flosports: Streaming from 10:15 AM (North America and worldwide)
The 44th Great North Run takes place on Sunday, September 7, bringing together elite athletes and 60,000 runners for the world-famous 13.1-mile course from Newcastle to South Shields.
Star-Studded Elite Field Confirmed
Eilish McColgan headlines the women’s elite field as she chases her first Great North Run victory. The Scottish distance runner will face tough competition from Sheila Chepkirui of Kenya, who defeated McColgan’s teammate at the 2024 New York City Marathon. Two-time champion Vivian Cheruiyot from Kenya also returns to challenge for another title.
McColgan expressed her excitement about returning to Newcastle: “I can’t wait to get back to the Great North Run. The crowds are always amazing along the route, and I’m feeling really strong after my London Marathon performance. Hopefully 2025 is third time lucky when I can match mum’s success.”
In the men’s race, defending champion Abel Kipchumba from Kenya returns after his impressive debut victory last year. The Kenyan runner also kept his NYC Half Marathon crown in March, showing he remains in top form.
“I’m very happy to return to the Great North Run again this year,” said Kipchumba. “It was a great honor to win one of the biggest half marathons in the world at my first attempt. I know I have tough competition but am ready for the challenge.”
Top Contenders Ready for Battle
Alex Mutiso Munyao, who won the 2024 London Marathon, joins the men’s elite field alongside European marathon record holder Bashir Abdi from Belgium. Great Britain’s Marc Scott, the 2021 Great North Run champion, completes the standout names in the men’s race.
The wheelchair races feature strong fields in both categories. Sean Frame, last year’s runner-up, leads the men’s wheelchair contenders alongside Commonwealth medallist Simon Lawson and Spain’s Rafa Botello. Mel Nicholls from Great Britain and Italy’s Rita Curucca are among the top women’s wheelchair athletes competing.
Over 100 invited elite athletes from countries including the USA, Ethiopia, Kenya, Japan, South Africa and across Europe will tackle the challenging course.
The Great North Run concludes a weekend of running events that begins with the Great North 5K on Friday, followed by the Junior and Mini Great North Runs on Saturday.
Sir Brendan Foster, founder of the Great North Run, said: “It’s always an honor for the North East to welcome world class athletes from across the globe. Nothing fills me more with pride than seeing a starting lineup like this one. Our spectators are in for some great sporting action once again.”
More than 200,000 supporters are expected to line the iconic route, with many of the 60,000 participants running for charity causes that typically raise around £25 million annually.
