Defending champions return for AJ Bell Great North Run — image accompanying Athletics Weekly's report. Image accompanying Athletics Weekly’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Alex Mutiso and Sheila Chepkirui, last year's winners, return for the 45th AJ Bell Great North Run on September 13. The Kenyan pair lead a strong field for the world's largest half marathon.
Chepkirui expressed her love for the race's energy and atmosphere, hoping for consecutive victories. Mutiso, with a personal best of 57:59, eyes the course record of 58:56. Read more racing coverage.
The elite men's field includes US record-holder Casey Clinger and 2025 European champion Iliass Aouani. The women's race features Viola Lagat and Brigid Kosgei, with Eilish McColgan returning after injury. Related: Lasoi sets new course record at Antrim Coast Half Marathon.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Athletics Weekly. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
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What should runners know about Defending champions return for AJ Bell Great North Run?
Alex Mutiso and Sheila Chepkirui aim for back-to-back wins at the 45th edition. Alex Mutiso and Sheila Chepkirui, last year's winners, return for the 45th AJ Bell Great North Run on September 13. The Kenyan pair lead a strong field for the world's largest half marathon.
When did Runner World publish this racing brief?
Runner World published this brief on August 24, 2026. The underlying Athletics Weekly report was dated August 24, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Athletics Weekly. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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