LONDON — Britain’s four-times Olympic champion Mo Farah has revealed that he will bring an end to his impressive career after the Great North Run in September.
Farah finished ninth in his final marathon in London, clocking 2:10:28 – nine minutes behind winner Kelvin Kiptum.
The 40-year-old will compete at the 10km Great Manchester Run on May 21 before the Great North Run half-marathon on September 10.
“Part of me wanted to cry. The people were amazing, even in the rain to line the streets and that’s what this is all about,” Farah said after the London Marathon.
“If it wasn’t for the crowd, at some point I would have dropped out. It’s what has kept me going for so long throughout my career. I will miss that feeling,” Farah added according to Reuters.
“London has been so great to me over the years and I wanted to be here to say thank you to the crowd. I want to pass that on. The Great North Run is going to be my last ever run and that will be my goodbye.
“My career has been amazing, my wife and kids have been with me throughout this journey and I want to give time to them now, as well as getting involved in grassroots sport and give back to this sport.”
Farah has won the Great North Run six times.
“I won’t be competing in any track races. The track is done. I’ll just do a couple more races on the road and wave to the crowd.
“It’s the right decision and hopefully I’ll get to spend time with my family while continuing to be involved with the sport.”
His impact on athletics has been clear. Before the race, the 2022 London Marathon champion Amos Kipruto, 30, of Kenya said: “Mo Farah is a real inspiration for the younger generation like us and I hope to run more years like Mo Farah is racing.”
Compatriot Kiptum added before the race: “One time I used to say I will compete with Mo Farah, so I am very excited to race with him.”
