Hellen Obiri retains her Great North Run title

Multiple World 5,000m champions Hellen Obiri defended her Great North Run Half Marathon title after cruising to victory in North England on Sunday.

Obiri who is gearing up for her full marathon debut next month in New York clocked 01:07.05 ahead of Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir who stopped the clock after an hour, seven minutes and seven seconds.

The 2016 Rio Olympic Games 10,000m champion Almaz Ayana of Ethiopia settled for bronze after timing 01:07.10.

"I am happy I have retained my title and how I have run today. Last year was slightly difficult due to the restrictions imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus but this year the crowds were out there cheering on us. The competition was good but I told myself that I am the best and gave my all throughout. I can't wait for my debut in the marathon," she told Athletics Weekly shortly after the race.

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21-year-old Ugandan Kiplimo beat a strong field to claim victory in the men's category. The Commonwealth 10,000m champion clocked 59:33, beating Ethiopian Olympic champion Selemon Barega and veteran long distance runner Kenenisa Bekele who finished second and third respectively.

Barega marked a successful debut on the road in 1:00:39 ahead of Bekele who timed 1:01:01.