Great North Run to be Sir Mo Farah's last ever professional race
Legendary athlete confirms he will retire from professional competition after the event on Tyneside in September
Last updated 24th Apr 2023
The legendary British athlete, Sir Mo Farah, has announced the AJ Bell Great North Run will be his last ever race as a professional athlete. Farah has chosen the iconic half marathon as his ultimate competitive event, giving fans and fellow runners an unforgettable opportunity to celebrate his illustrious career.
Sir Mo Farah, a four-time Olympic gold medallist and six-time World Champion, has left an indelible mark on the world of athletics. His incredible accomplishments include two consecutive Olympic gold medals in both the 5,000m and 10,000m events in London and Rio, making him one of the most successful and respected distance runners in history. Farah's inspiring journey, from Somalia to the UK and on to his extraordinary achievements on the global stage, captured the hearts of millions.
Farah said, “I have so many incredible memories of racing at the Great North Run, my first ever race there in 2013 was billed as one of the greatest men’s half marathons in history. It was a special experience to line up against Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele and the iconic Haile Gebrselassie.
“Kenenisa took the top spot that day, but there was so much support for me all along the course. Even at the finish line in the pouring rain, all I can remember was people shouting my name, it made me even more determined to come back and do them proud.
“From 2014 onwards I won the event in front of that incredible crowd six times. There were some really tough races, but the phenomenal support always saw me through.
“It’s fitting the AJ Bell Great North Run will be my last ever race as an elite athlete. It will definitely be emotional, but I’m so happy to have the opportunity to celebrate the end of my professional career on that famous finish line.”
Founder of the Great North Run, Sir Brendan Foster said, “I’m humbled and honoured Sir Mo has chosen the AJ Bell Great North Run as his last ever professional race.
“Mo is an icon of British sport; he has achieved incredible things over his remarkable career and the British public have really taken him to their hearts.
“He has inspired countless people to get involved in running and many more to enjoy watching and supporting our sport, he made distance running exciting again for a whole new generation.
“On a personal level, I’ve followed his career from the beginning, as a schoolboy at the Great Edinburgh XCountry, through to one of the highlights of my career as a broadcaster, commentating on his incredible performances at London 2012.
“He has always enjoyed a phenomenal reception on Tyneside, and I know this year will be no different. I’m sure the crowds will be out in force to join us in celebrating his incredible legacy.”
The iconic half marathon will be back on the streets of the North East on Sunday 10 September. With 60,000 entrants, the event continues to be the biggest running event in the country. Many will be taking part to support worthy causes, raising an estimated £25 million pounds for charity. This year marks the start of a five-year partnership with new Title Partner, AJ Bell.
Limited charity places for the event are still available, for more information, visit greatrun.org/north.