Olympic legend Sir Mo Farrah has announced his withdrawal from this year's Great Manchester Run, citing fitness and performance issues. The four-time gold medallist made the decision after finishing second at the Vitality London 10km behind club runner Ellis Cross.
The run would have been his first appearance at the race since he claimed victory at the event four years ago. In 2018, Sir Mo triumphed over Ugandan Moses Kipsiro in a tantalising sprint finish, winning the 10km in a time of 28 minutes and 27 seconds.
While the Olympic and World Champion failed to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics held last year, he insisted afterwards he wouldn’t be retiring. When it was first announced that he would be taking part in the Great Manchester Run earlier this year, the celebrated runner said that his training had been going well and that he was “looking forward to racing on the streets of the city later this year”.
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Speaking about his withdrawal from this year’s race, Farah said: “I had a below par run at the London 10k last weekend and feel that I need another month of training to get back to a competitive level. I don’t like to cancel races but my fitness is not where I want it to be.”
Chief Executive of the Great Run Company, Paul Foster added: “Of course it’s disappointing not to have Sir Mo on the start line and we’re sure he will be missed by those turning out to support and those watching from home, but we understand his decision. We’re expecting a really exciting women’s race, with an on-form Eilish McColgan taking on Kenyan powerhouses Hellen Obiri and Ruth Chepngetich.
"We’re still looking forward to a competitive event in the men’s elite race, three-time Oceanic record holder and four-time Diamond League winner, Australian Stewart McSweyn, will be lining up against his countryman, Jack Rayner, the Australian National 10,000m record holder. Jake and Zane Robertson, brothers from New Zealand and holders of the country's two fastest 10,000m times will also compete.”
The Great Manchester Run is open to runners of all ages and abilities, with entertainment zones popping up at every kilometre of the race, and organisers saying it will feature some of the best and loudest crowd support at any race anywhere in the world. The fast, flat 10k route, which Farah would of be tackling, begins on Portland Street in Manchester city centre, heading out towards Salford Quays before doubling back towards the Quays, and ending at Deansgate.
The run will take place on Sunday, 22 May and will be televised live on the BBC. For more information on everything from tickets to start times click here.
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