Eilish McColgan and Abel Kipchumba heads the AJ Bell Great North Run

Abel Kipchumba will defend his men’s title in the AJ Bell Great North Run on Sunday (September 7th), while Eilish McColgan will head the women’s line-up. Abel Kipchumba, who won 12 months ago on Tyneside in 59:52 min, will face fellow Kenyan Alexander Munyao, winner of the 2024 London Marathon.

Bashir Abdi, the European marathon record holder from Belgium, and 2021 Great North Run champion Marc Scott are also part of the elite men’s line-up.

“I’m so happy to be back at the Great North Run again this year. It was a great honor to win one of the world’s biggest half marathons on my first attempt. I know the competition is tough this year, but I’m up for the challenge”, said Abel Kipchumba ahead of the race.

In the women’s race, Eilish McColgan will compete with Sheila Chepkirui (Kenya), who finished third behind Eilish McColgan in the 10,000m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and triumphed at the 2024 New York Marathon.

They will be joined on the starting line by 2016 and 2018 Great North Run champion Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya.

“I can’t wait to return to the AJ Bell Great North Run this year. It’s an event that holds fond memories for me. I’ve always loved racing in Newcastle and of course we have a proud family history in the Great North Run. I’ve had a great season this year, I feel really strong, especially after the London Marathon, so hopefully 2025 will be the third time I get lucky and I can repeat my mum’s success and win this year’s race”, said Eilish McColgan. “The crowd along the route is always amazing – the energy I get from hearing them will definitely push me forward”, added she.