Emma Mitchell is star performer as hundreds of NI athletes take on GNR
10 September 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 9th 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 8th 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 (1st place), while the men’s event was won for a record breaking fifth time by Mo Farah in 59:26 (1st place).
Full results for the Great North Run are available HERE.
At the associated Great City Games (Saturday 8th September 2018), Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Leon Reid (Birchfield Harriers / James Hillier) closed his season with a 15.41 (0.6) for 150m, taking 4th place.
Full results for the Great City Games are available HERE.
Also this weekend:
Stirling 10k - National Scottish 10k Championships
Northern Ireland's Fionnuala Ross took part in the Stirling 10K which incorporated the National 10K Championship. She crossed the line in a time of 34.05 to take the win.