Pair cruise to victories over 13.1 miles on the streets of the capital ahead of their respective London Marathons
Sir Mo Farah and Eilish McColgan won’t both take part at next month’s TCS London Marathon – given McColgan’s decision to delay her much anticipated debut over 26.2 miles to April – but they lined up together at the Big Half and saw off extremely strong domestic fields.
It was Farah’s first race since his shock loss to Ellis Cross at the Vitality London 10k on May 2 but the quadruple Olympic and six-time world champion avenged that defeat with an imperious performance as he clocked 61:49 to win the Big Half for the third time in his career.
The winning margin was 15 seconds to Jack Rowe while Jake Smith clocked 62:10 to finish third. Cross finished eighth in 64:20.
The trio were together for the first three quarters of the race before Farah kicked to establish a commanding lead and never looked back as he headed towards the finish at Cutty Sark.
It’s victory for @Mo_Farah in the @OfficialBigHalf as the quadruple Olympic and six-time world champion clocks 61:48 (unofficial) 🔥🇬🇧
The best preparation possible for the @LondonMarathon. #BigHalf pic.twitter.com/QngZcDoKgs
— AW (@AthleticsWeekly) September 4, 2022
At 39, Farah is in the twilight of his career but such a victory, his first on the road in the UK since the 2020 Antrim Half Marathon, will give him confidence towards his fourth London Marathon.
The last time Farah raced over 26.2 miles was in Chicago back in 2019 when he finished eighth in a time of 2:09:58.
“I’m enjoying it and I love London, the streets were packed and I love coming back to race here,” Farah said. “Training [for the London Marathon] has been going well and it’s now about gearing up for that. It’s not going to be easy but I’m trying to prepare myself well.
“The key thing now is being able to give back whatever I’ve done in terms of athletics. I’ve had such a long career but I’m not even thinking about retirement. I’m just enjoying it and putting in the work. I’ve had my documentary out and that’s just me!
“I hope to inspire people out there who are going through similar situations and continue to inspire the younger generation.”
A stunning run from @EilishMccolgan who takes approximately two minutes off the course record and clocks 67:34 🔥🇬🇧
She continues her incredible season with victory on the streets of London. #BigHalf
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