Mo Farah bids for record ahead of Chicago Marathon

British athletics legend Mo Farah is hoping to win a record fifth Great North Run when he competes in the half marathon event in Newcastle, England on September 9.

The 35-year-old Somaliaborn quadruple Olympic gold medalist – who retired from championship track running after last year’s world championships in London – is also using it as a prep race ahead of October’s Chicago Marathon.

Farah is targeting taking possession of the Great North Run record which he presently shares with Kenya’s Benson Masaya, who won the last of his quartet in 1996.

The race has grown in importance since the inaugural one was won in 1981 by Britain’s Mike McLeod – the women’s race going to fellow Briton Karen Goldhawk. It draws legends of track and field such as Paul Tergat and Haile Gebrselassie, emerging triumphant in 2001 and 2010 respectively.

“I can’t wait to come back to Newcastle and race again,” said Farah, who also won six outdoor world titles.

Kenya’s 2016 Olympic and 2009 world champion in the 5,000 meters Vivian Cheruiyot bids to make it two victories in three years and give herself an early birthday present as she turns 35 two days after this year’s edition.

She won on her debut over the distance in 2016, and finished second to compatriot Mary Keitany last year.