Other Kenyans in the women’s race included Sheila Chepkirui who finished 4th (1:07:44) and former double Olympic champion Vivian Cheruiyot who was 6th
Kenya’s Mary Ngugi-Cooper and Abel Kipchumba claimed a Kenyan double victory on Sunday at the 43rd edition of the Great North Run, held in Newcastle, United Kingdom.
The 35-year-old Ngugi-Cooper secured her win with a time of 1:07:40, edging out Ethiopia’s Senbere Teferi, who finished a close second at 1:07:41. Alemu Megertu completed the podium, clocking 1:07:42 for third place.
In the men’s race, Kipchumba dominated with an early breakaway, battling through wet and soggy conditions to cross the finish line in 59 minutes and 52 seconds.
Ngugi-Cooper, based in Leeds, UK, with her British husband, became the 11th consecutive Kenyan winner in the women’s category.
Speaking to the BBC after the race, she expressed her joy: "It was amazing. It's always been a dream of mine to come and race at the Great North Run. To win it, it’s a dream come true. It was mentally tough because no one was dropping, and as you come to the last mile, everyone is still there.”
In the men’s event, Britain’s Marc Scott, the 2021 champion, finished second with a time of 1:01:12, while Norway’s Sandre Moen took third, finishing in 1:01:25.
Other Kenyans in the women’s race included Sheila Chepkirui who finished 4th (1:07:44) and former Olympic champion Vivian Cheruiyot who was 6th
Over 60,000 runners braved the wet conditions to take part in what is considered as one of the greatest Half Marathons in the world.
Elite women
1. Mary Ngugi-Cooper: 1:07:40
2. Senbere Teferi - 1:07:41
3. Alemu Megertu - 1:07:42
4. Sheila Chepkirui - 1:07:44
5. Eilish McColgan: 1:07:45
Elite men
1. Abel Kipchumba - 0:59:52
2. Mark Scott - 1:01:12
3. Sandre Moen - 1:01:25
4. Filmon Tesfu - 1:02:14
5. Evans Chebet - 1:02:31
6. Frank Lara - 1:0248
7. Kenya Sonota - 1:03:00
8. Seyfu Jamaal - 1:03:33