Great North Run 2018:

Northern Ireland 10,000m and 5,000m record holder Emma Mitchell (QUB AC / Eamonn Christie) was the star performer as hundreds of local athletes took on the famous Great North Run in England this weekend (Sunday 9^th September 2018).

Making her half marathon debut in what was a stacked ladies elite field, Emma recorded an impressive 1:14:38 for the 13.1 mile distance.

Early on, the Banbridge athlete was in the lead pack as they progressed through 5k in 16:51.  After a split in the group, Emma held her own, moving through 10k in 34:39 before reaching the South Shields finish line to claim a superb 8^th place.

Emma has indicated that she will step up to marathon distance ahead of the Olympic Games in 2020.

In the elite men’s race, City of Lisburn AC’s Chris Madden (Mark Kirk) crossed the line in 1:11:46.

The ladies race was won by Vivian Cheruiyot in 1:07:43 (1^st place), while the men’s event was won for a record breaking fifth time by Mo Farah in 59:26 (1^st place).

At the associated Great City Games (Saturday 8^th September 2018), Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Leon Reid (Birchfield Harriers / James Hillier) closed his season with a 15.41 (0.6) for 150m, taking 4^th place.

Note: Article compiled for use by Athletics NI.