Kiprotich 3rd as Mo Farah wins Great run

By Norman Katende

Bupa Great North Run

Mo Farah (ENG) 1:00:01

Michael Kigen (KEN) 1:00:12

Stephen Kiprotich (UGA) 1:01:36

Tariku Bekele (ETH)

STEPHEN Kiprotich came home third in the competitive Bupa Great North Run that was held Sunday in Newcastle. 

The event attracted a record 57,000 runners a day after celebrating the first millionth finisher in a road race across the globe.

The race was won by Mo Farah, who put up a great sprint to beat Kenya’s Michael Kigen. Farah was last year beaten by Kenenisa Bekele in a sprint finish.

Inspired by his icon Haile Gerbreselassie who he talked to during the opening ceremony, the world and Olympic marathon champion went into the race with a mission of keeping with the lead pack.

But the race pace was tight as he decided to get some breathing space after the 18km mark of the 21.1km race. 

Kiprotich let the leading duo of home boy Farah and Kigen battle it out in an exciting race towards the finishing line. 

He however hung on not to let Ethiopian 10000m runner Tariku Bekele take the bronze medal as he clocked one hour, one minute and 36  seconds, a time slower than his personal best of 1:01:25 which he posted as he won the Granollers half marathon in Netherlands last year.

Kiprotich, who was looking at improving on his speed, having failed to make an impact in the London and New York marathons, was happy with his performance.

Kiprotich will return home for some rest before he starts training for the next road season.