Munyao, Chepkirui headline Sunday's Great North Run

London Marathon 2024 champion Alexander Mutiso and New York City 2024 winner Sheila Chepkurui headline a star-studded field for this year’s AJ Bell Great North Run set for Sunday, 7 September.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news

Mutiso, who heads to the race with the quickest time on the men’s field, a 57:59 personal best (PB) from 2020 in Valencia and a 59:16 season best from February’s Kagawa Marugame International Half Marathon faces stiff competition from compatriot Abel Kipchumba, returning to defend his title.

Kipchumba returns to defend his Great North Run title in what will be his second competitive race of the season, after having successfully retained his New York Half Marathon in March with a 59:09 run.

Kenya set to submit hosting bid for one of most prestigious athletics events

Also, in contention are European marathon record holder, and Belgium’s Bashir Abdi and 2021 champion here Marc Scott.

 “I’m very happy to return to the Great North Run again this year. It was a great honour to win one of the biggest half marathons in the world on my first attempt. I know I have tough competition this year but am ready for the challenge,” Kipchumba says. 

In the women’s event, McColgan will come head to head with Chepkirui, who she beat in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. They will be joined in the start line by two-time champion (2016, 2018) Vivian Cheruiyot.

“I can’t wait to return this year. It’s an event that holds fond memories for me. I’ve always loved competing in Newcastle and of course we have a proud family history at the Great North Run.

I’ve had a great season this year, I’m feeling really strong especially off the back of the London Marathon so hopefully 2025 is third time lucky, when I can match mum’s success and win this year’s race. The crowds are always amazing all along the route, the buzz I get from hearing them will definitely spur me on,” McColgan said.

TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Why Harambee Stars got it horribly wrong in the first half against Gambia

Sir Brendan Foster, founder of the Great North Run and President of The Great Run Company, said, “It’s always an honour for the North East to welcome world class athletes from across the globe to the Great North Run each year, and nothing fills me more with pride than seeing a starting line up like the one we reveal today. Our spectators both on the streets and at home are in for some great sporting action once again!”