Sir Mo Farah says 'sport saved me' after finishing final race of illustrious career at Great North Run (2024)

Sir Mo Farah said "sport saved me" as he finished the final race of his career in fourth place in the Great North Run.

The four-time Olympic gold medallist, who announced in April he would be retiring, ended his illustrious career in the North East half marathon run.

He finished the 13.1 mile race in 1:03:28 with Ethopia's Tamirat Tola winning the men's elite race, finishing just shy of the hour mark with a time of 59 minutes and 58 seconds.

Sir Mo Farah says 'sport saved me' after finishing final race of illustrious career at Great North Run (1)

Sir Mo, 40, who has previously won the race from Newcastle to South Shields six times, was greeted by crowds lining the Coast Road, offering high-fives as he approached the finish line.

After the race he told Sky News: "In my early days, and what I went through as a child, sport has saved me, to become the man I have become.

"Without sports and having the people in my life that I have, I wouldn't be here today.

Sir Mo Farah says 'sport saved me' after finishing final race of illustrious career at Great North Run (2)

"It's been an amazing journey when I look back, there's been so many messages from people all over the world saying thank you," Sir Mo continued.

"It's a joy to see that because I just enjoyed what I did and I committed and continued to push myself to win medals again and again.

Sir Mo Farah says 'sport saved me' after finishing final race of illustrious career at Great North Run (3)

"To look back from the other side now and see people saying to you, this is what you've given us, this is what you've done is incredible to see."

'One Mo Time': British long-distance runner savoured occasion of last race

Shingi Mararike

North of England correspondent

@ShingiMararike

When Sir Mo Farah crossed the finish line in his last race at the Great North Run today, there wasn’t the sprint finish to victory we’ve seen so many times before - but you got the sense it didn’t matter.

With so many memories made and so many medals won, you could tell he just wanted to savour the occasion.

He crossed his arms in a Union Jack, before a lap of honour that saw him stop to take selfies with the crowd, many of whom had been given special signs that read: "One Mo Time," and "This is your Mo-ment".

Speaking to journalists after the race he said: "I just wanted to connect with them.

"I just wanted to give them high-fives and say thank you for the support they've given over the years."

He was also visibly emotional as he recalled moments from his career and his life.

After the race and a round of media engagements were over, Sir Mo wandered through the media area, where there was one moment that told the story of his impact more than any other today.

He stopped to speak to a 10-year-old aspiring runner whose family were from Ethiopia in east Africa, which borders Somalia where he was born.

Between pictures, he decided to encourage her.

"Promise me you're going to work hard," he said, with his trademark smile as wide as ever.

Read more:
Final race will be 'very emotional' - Sir Mo Farah
Sir Mo Farah reveals 'the truth' about how he came to the UK

Sir Mo said it was time for him to "take a break" and retire from running, in order to enjoy himself and watch his football team, Arsenal Football Club, who he revealed he'd like to work for in some capacity.

Sir Mo Farah says 'sport saved me' after finishing final race of illustrious career at Great North Run (5)

Memorable highs and recent struggles

Considered one of the greatest runners of all time, Sir Mo has garnered the titles of 'double double' Olympic champion, World champion in the 10,000m and 5,000m and six-time European Champion throughout his career.

One of the most memorable highlights throughout Sir Mo's career was winning two gold medals at the London 2012 Olympics in front of a home crowd.

Sir Mo Farah says 'sport saved me' after finishing final race of illustrious career at Great North Run (6)

On a day dubbed "Super Saturday", Sir Mo won the 10,000m on the same night fellow Team GB athletes Jessica Ennis-Hill (heptathlon) and Greg Rutherford (long jump) also struck gold.

"You're doing it right in front of your hometown, and the stadium is going crazy, as it is 75,000 people shouting out your name," he recalled.

Sir Mo Farah says 'sport saved me' after finishing final race of illustrious career at Great North Run (7)

"I got to the front, the people are shouting your name and when I'd got to the back it'd be a little quieter. Honestly, that's what keeps me getting out of bed year after year, it's that moment."

The success landed Sir Mo as a household name who transcended athletics, with the 'Mobot' - when the athlete raises his hands above his head in a 'M' shape after a win - becoming an iconic symbol of his success.

In 2016, Sir Mo completed a historic double double, defending his titles from London - despite falling in the 10,000m.

Sir Mo Farah says 'sport saved me' after finishing final race of illustrious career at Great North Run (8)

Recent years have proved difficult for the long-distance runner, after his failure to qualify for the delayed Tokyo Games in 2021 was followed by injury troubles.

He also had to pull out of the London Marathon in 2022 due to a hip injury.

Sir Mo Farah says 'sport saved me' after finishing final race of illustrious career at Great North Run (9)

Difficult childhood

Away from running, last year, Sir Mo revealed he was "trafficked" into the UK illegally under the name of another child.

The athlete said that he decided to speak out about his past last year because of his family.

"Really it was my family who did it for me," he said, "because my kids were asking me questions every day. I owed it to them and owed it to myself to be honest with them."

Sir Mo Farah says 'sport saved me' after finishing final race of illustrious career at Great North Run (10)

"I don't think any child should go through what I did. Child trafficking is a huge problem and for me, it was more of a self-release, even though I'm this man I am, a guy who wins everything, I was struggling mentally."

Sir Mo married Tania Farah in 2010. The couple has three children together and a stepdaughter from a previous relationship of Mrs Farah's.

Sir Mo Farah says 'sport saved me' after finishing final race of illustrious career at Great North Run (2024)

FAQs

How did Mo Farah finish in the Great North Run? ›

Sir Mo Farah said "sport saved me" as he finished the final race of his career in fourth place in the Great North Run.

What are some interesting facts about Sir Mo Farah? ›

Farah was the first British athlete to win two gold medals at the same world championships. His five gold medals at the European Athletics Championships made him the most successful male athlete in individual events in the championships' history.

Who is the founder of the Great North Run? ›

Founder and President of the Great North Run Sir Brendan Foster said: “What a day! Every year I continue to be astounded by the running prowess we witness at the Great North Run.

Is Mo Farah a vegetarian? ›

No, despite his long-standing partnership with Quorn, the meat substitute, the runner is not a vegetarian either.

Did a 102 year old man finish the Great North Run? ›

"Back in September, 102-year-old Bill completed the 13.1 mile run in support of the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, with millions around the world watching his finish line moment online. "Bill inspired and touched so many lives, and he will be fondly remembered."

How fast can Mo Farah run the Great North Run? ›

Mo Farah completed the race in exactly 1 hour, while Mary Keitany completed in 1:05:39 seconds - surpassing the previous course record of 1:05:40 by 1 second, a record held by Paula Radcliffe.

Who is faster, Mo Farah or Usain Bolt? ›

Bolt, with a PB of 45:28, would smash Mo in the 400m, which is a sprint. Bolt would hurt even at the thought of running a 1500m race at Mo's 3:34, let alone racing that distance at all. Mo's PB in the 800 is around 1:49.

How did Mo Farah become successful? ›

It was about this time that Farah reestablished contact with his mother. In 2001 Farah began training under coach Alan Storey, and he won the European junior 5,000-metre title that year. After training in Kenya and Ethiopia beginning in 2008, Farah won European titles in 2010 at 5,000 metres and 10,000 metres.

Is Mo Farah a fast runner? ›

Legendary Olympian Sir Mo Farah is known worldwide for his speed and athleticism.

How many miles is 5K? ›

A 5K run is 3.1 miles. Don't be afraid of the distance. A 5K run is a great distance for a new runner. You can get ready for a 5K run in only two months.

Can you walk the Great North run? ›

Can you walk the Great North Run? Many people will walk sections of the course, either as part of a run-walk strategy or simply to rest their legs on some of the hillier parts! If you are lucky enough to be part of the Great North Run, there is no pressure to finish it in a particular time or to run the whole thing.

Does the winner of the Great North run get paid? ›

If 2 male or 2 female athletes take part a trophy or medal will be awarded acknowledging first place for that gender. If 3 – 5 male or 3 – 5 female athletes take part the race will offer a winners cash prize and runner up cash prize for that gender – prizes as stipulated above.

Is Einstein a vegetarian? ›

Albert Einstein was not a vegetarian or vegan.

At various times of his life, however, he was forced to listen to his doctors and diet for health reasons (heart disease, stomach ulcer, liver disease, jaundice, lack of nutrition during the 1st World War, general physical weakness).

Is Mark Zuckerberg a vegetarian? ›

Zuckerberg has previously caused a stir around meat eating. In 2011, he said he had “basically become a vegetarian” after claiming to only eat animals he has killed himself.

Is Beyonce a vegetarian? ›

She has wanted to be an example of all this and try to instill this culture in others. But today, is she still vegan? The answer is no. In 2020, Beyoncé had to soften her vegan diet and added fish and Omega3 to her diet because she said her brain was malfunctioning.

Does Mo Farah get paid to run in the Great North Run? ›

These athletes, while elite, cannot be professional runners as they are paid a promotional fee for running. Mo Farah has run, and won, the Great North Run multiple times but he was not eligible for the prize money. Winners for both the male and female categories have the same cash amount on offer.

How many completed Great North Run? ›

Tens of thousands of runners completed the famous 13.1 mile course from Newcastle South Shields, with each of the 60,000 runners inspired by someone close to their heart, a worthy cause or a personal goal contributing to around £25million raised for charity.

Where did the Great North Run finish? ›

Where does the Great North Run end? The final stretch of the course is known as the Coast Road and ends in South Shields, specifically near Gypsies Green, which is where runners can join their friends and family to celebrate their achievement!

Who set off the Great North Run? ›

Olympic silver medallist Kieran Reilly was the honorary starter for the 43rd event. North East mayor Kim McGuinness, Sara Davies from Dragon's Den and Adele Roberts are also taking part.

References

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