September 10, (THEWILL) – British long-distance running legend, Mo Farah, brought the curtain down on his illustrious career at Sunday’s Great North Run half-marathon in Newcastle.
Farah, wearing a bib with ‘Sir Mo’ printed on it, crossed the line in fourth place with a time of 1:03:28. He high-fived spectators as he came down the home straight in his final competitive outing. The 40-year-old spoke emotionally afterwards about ending his career in Newcastle, a city where he has enjoyed much success in the past.
THEWILL recalls that Farah has won the Great North Run a record six times over the years, often competing shortly after returning from the Olympics and World Championships. The 2023 race was won by Ethiopian Tamirat Tola in 59:58, making up for his disappointing marathon earlier this year. In the women’s event, Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya took first place in 1:06:45.
Farah retires as one of Britain’s most decorated athletes, having won four Olympic gold medals at 5,000m and 10,000m along with six World Championship titles over the same distances.
The running legend was born in Somalia and revealed in 2022 that he was trafficked to the UK aged nine and forced to work as a servant. Farah said the sport gave him focus and purpose during a difficult childhood.
