London: World record holder Jacob Kiplimo became the first Ugandan man to win the Great North Run after tributes were paid to Queen Elizabeth II before Sunday’ race.
Kiplimo powered to victory in his first appearance at the event in north-east England.
The 21-year-old had a 32-second lead as he hit the 12-mile mark on the 13.1-mile course from Newcastle to South Shields.
Kiplimo, the reigning world half-marathon champion, crossed the line in 59.33, 66 seconds ahead of Olympic 10,000m champion Selemon Barega, with Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele third in 1.01.01.
“I enjoyed the race, it was nice. I came here to win it,” Kiplimo said.
In the women’s race, Kenya’s Hellen Obiri retained the title after holding off strong challenges from Peres Jepchirchir.
The trio broke away from the field early in the race and contested a tense finale.
Obiri made the decisive kick in sight of the finish line as she clocked 1:07.05, 37 seconds faster than last year, with her compatriot Jepchirchir, the Olympic marathon champion, two seconds behind and Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana a further three seconds adrift.
“It’s a great opportunity to do a faster one than last time, so I’m so happy,” Obiri said. — AFP
