The 2025 AJ Bell Great North Run delivered another memorable day on Sunday, September 7, 2025, as thousands lined the streets from Newcastle to South Shields. More than 60,000 runners took part in the world’s biggest half marathon, with the elite races once again producing thrilling finishes.

Kenya celebrated a double triumph after Sheila Chepkirui and Alex Mutiso crossed the line first in the women’s and men’s elite races.

Sheila Chepkirui took the women’s crown with a winning time of 1:09:32.

“Champion’s moment! Sheila Chepkirui crosses the line first with a time of 01:09:32 in the Elite Women’s race at the AJ Bell Great North Run 2025. Huge congratulations Sheila!,” Great Run posted on their X account.

She held off former Olympic champion Vivian Cheruiyot, who finished just five seconds behind in 1:09:37. Scotland’s Eilish McColgan, aiming to match her mother Liz’s past success, came home third in 1:09:42.

American runner Emily Sisson placed fourth in 1:10:17, while Japan’s Mitsu Osaki completed the top five with 1:12:19.

Alex Mutiso produced a strong final stretch to secure the men’s title in 1:00:52.

“That winning moment! Alex Mutiso crosses the line first with a time of 01:00:52 in the Elite Men’s race at the AJ Bell Great North Run 2025. Congratulations Alex!,” Great Run posted on their X account.

He edged Belgium’s Bashir Abdi, who clocked 1:00:58, with defending champion Abel Kipchumba finishing third in 1:01:01.

Britain’s Ben Connor gave the home crowd reason to cheer with a fourth-place finish in 1:02:57, followed by Jake Smith in fifth on 1:03:07.

A landmark day in the North East

The race began with the wheelchair athletes at 10:20am, followed by the elite women five minutes later and the men shortly before 11am.

The route once again tested athletes with its uphill stretches between miles eight and twelve, before the dramatic finish along the South Shields seafront.

The Great North Run continues to attract legends of the sport, with Mo Farah and Paula Radcliffe among its famous past winners. This year’s event confirmed its global appeal, drawing elite athletes from Kenya, Japan, the United States, and the UK, alongside tens of thousands of fun runners.