Defending Champions Alex Mutiso and Sheila Chepkirui will headline this year’s AJ Bell Great North Run, scheduled for Sunday, 13 September in England.Download our MozzartSport App For More NewsThe Kenyan duo have been named as part of a stellar line up of elite runners, who will take on the famous Newcastle to South shields route, at the world’s biggest half marathon.##NAJAVA_MECA_9922049##Both Mutiso and Chepkirui are returning to the race they won last year, having taken victory in times of 1:00.52 and 1:09.32 respectively.“Returning as defending champion at such a big race will be great experience for me,” Mutiso, who earlier this year finished third at the Tokyo Marathon, said. “As always there will be strong competition, but I will be hoping to repeat last year’s result.”Why Sabastian Sawe has withdrawn from Berlin MarathonThe 29-year-old’s quest to repeat will be dealt a huge challenge, with the inclusion of Dutch runner Abdi Nageeye in the field.The former New York City marathon champion carries a personal best time of 1:00.21, set at the Den Haag Half Marathon in 2024.Other athletes named in the men’s elite field include: USA record holder Casey Clinger, his fellow American Zouhair Talbi, 2025 European Champion Iliass Aouani of Italy, and 2025 Tokyo Marathon silver medalist Deresa Geleta of Ethiopia.Wanyonyi, Cherotich shine as Kenyans dominate Zurich Diamond LeagueChepkirui, on the other hand, faces familiar names in countrymates Brigid Kosgei and Viola Lagat.Kosgei mostly stands out in the list, having won the event back in 2019, clocking 1:04.28.“The Great North Run has become an important race for me over the last couple of years, either coming off a summer season, or building up towards an autumn marathon,” Chepkirui, whose half marathon personal best is the 1:06.01 she ran in May at the Rimi Riga Half Marathon, said. “I love the energy of the race and the atmosphere, I won here last year, and would love to make it back to victories. That would be special.”##NAJAVA_MECA_9922034##Hoping to prevent an all Kenyan podium with be Eilish McColgan of Scotland, who returns after injury caused her to withdraw from the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.Also on the lineup, will be a special place for Ethiopian track legend Tirunesh Dibaba, who will look to run her first race in over a year. The three-time Olympic champion last featured in a competitive race back in July 2025, when she finished 10th in a 10km road race in Atlanta.Defending champions Obiri and Kipruto to headline historic 2026 New York City Marathon
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