Selemon Barega tops the star-studded list for the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run 2026

The elite line-up for this year’s Great Manchester Run is filled with Olympic gold medallists, European champions, past winners and a defending champion. Selemon Barega returns as the defending champion in the men’s 10km elite event, having won in 2025 in 27:49 min.

He will be followed this year by Uruguayan Santiago Catrofe, who finished second in 2025. The 2024 winner Vincent Kipkemoi of Kenya will also be part of the star-studded race. Britain’s hopes are tied with former champion Marc Scott and two-time Olympian Andrew Butchart.

“I’m looking forward to returning to defend my Great Manchester Run title. I really enjoyed the race last year and the competition looks strong again so I know I’ll need to be at my best to finish on top of the podium”, said Selemon Barega.

The elite women’s 10K race is shaping up to be just as exciting. Reigning Great North Run champion Sheila Chepkirui of Kenya will face reigning Boston Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi, US half marathon record holder Weini Kelati and 2022 European 5000m champion Konstanze Klosterhalfen. Britons Verity Ockenden, Lily Partridge, Clara Evans and Jess Piasecki will be battling for home glory and a podium finish.