Greatest Ever Men’s Elite Field at the Great North Run
The Great Run Company has announced a stellar line up of talent in this year’s elite men’s race at the Great North Run, which is expected to produce the greatest ever performance on the historic course on Sunday 11 September 2022.
The field features Selemon Berega, the Olympic 10,000m Champion, Joshua Cheptegei, the World Record holder for the 5000m and 10000m, and Jacob Kiplimo, the World Record holder and reigning World Half Marathon Champion. The trio took all three medals in the Tokyo 10000m, and face each other on the road for the first time.
2021 champion, Marc Scott will return to the race looking to upset the odds and defend the title he won over last year’s adapted course. Ugandan Joshua Cheptegei is the reigning 5000m Olympic Champion, took home the Silver medal over 10000m in Tokyo and is the current World Record holder, in both the 5000m and 10000m on the track and the road.
Cheptegei said, ““The Great North Run has been the biggest half marathon for so many years. If you look at those who have won there it’s always been true champions. “I am honoured to compete there and as I am a rookie and new to the distance, I am sure it will help me further progress my long-distance career”
Cheptegei will be joined by his compatriot Jacob Kiplimo, the Olympic bronze medallist from Tokyo is also the current world record holder over the half marathon.
Kiplimo said, “I’m very excited to be part of the elite field in Newcastle for the first time ever.
“The big names of distance running like Tergat, Gebreselassie, Farah and Bekele run at least one time this half marathon, I want to be like them too.”
The Ugandans won’t have it all their own way as they will face stiff competition from Ethiopian Selemon Barega. The Olympic 10000m Champion and World Indoor 3000m Champion will looking to make an impression in what will be his debut road race.
Barega said,” I’m looking forward to making my debut at the most prestigious half marathon in the world, there have been some wonderful champions in the past and I hope I can add my name to that list.
“I have some amazing competition but looking forward to the challenge.”
Sir Brendan Foster, founder of the Great North Run added, “We’re really looking forward to bringing this competitive race to the streets of Newcastle. All three are competing at the World Championships this summer, so rivalries will start in Eugene and end in South Shields.
“For the last four decades we’ve seen the greats of distance running compete on Tyneside. As we start our journey towards the 50th Great North Run, it’s really exciting to have the opportunity to host the next generation of superstars, we might even see a new course record.”
The Great North Run, the world’s biggest half marathon and the UKs biggest running event, will be televised live on BBC Sport.
60,000 people have entered the event which will take place on Sunday 11 September, returning to its iconic city to sea route after two years of pandemic related changes.
For more information click here.
Image:
David Ramos via Getty Images
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