The Great North Run started with a more subdued version of the race’s famous anthem Local Hero. Over 50,000 runners took part in the 41st running of the event.
Kiplimo beat Olympic champions Selemon Barega and Kenenisa Bekele to win his first Great North Run title at the world’s biggest half marathon in England. He beat Ethiopian Olympic athletics champions Selemon Barega and Kenenisa Bekele to second and third respectively.
The world record holder Kiplimo ran alone for most of the men’s race. Whilst Obiri successfully defended her Great North Run women’s title with a brilliant final kick, outsprinting Olympic gold medallists Peres Jepchirchir and Almaz Ayana.
Colin was running his 29th GNR! Raising money for Macmillan and Christies. If you’d like to donate then click on the charity to follow the link.
Our man Col finished in a quick time of 1:41. Just missing out on his sub 1:40 dream. Incidentally the Walton family name clan numbered 42. Colin was 4th ‘Walton’ to finish!
Colin’s details below:
| Pos | Runner | Club/Country | Time | |
| 1 | Jacob Kiplimo | Uganda | 59:33 | |
| 1F | Hellen Obiri | Kenya | 01:07:05 | |
| 3,186 | Colin Walton | WRC | 01:41:11 | |
| c 50,000 | Started | Col’s Splits | 5k | 23:05 |
| 10k | 47:05 | |||
| 15k | 01:10:58 |
Footnote:
I saw Graham and his missus were at a parkrun nearby on Saturday. Janet ran the GNR in 1:57:38. Finishing 9493rd.