- Sir Mo Farah Concludes Illustrious Career in the Great North Run
- Reflections on His Sporting Journey and Knowing When to Retire
- Legacy and Fond Farewells as Farah Steps Away from Competitive Running
From Newcastle to South Shields, bright pink signs proclaiming “Go Mo Go” were enthusiastically waved in the air. Applause for each of the 50,000 participants who endured a brutal autumn inferno in the name of athletic aspiration or fundraising fervor.
But a special crescendo was designated for Sir Mo Farah in particular, a collective ovation that grew louder as the four-time Olympic gold medalist arrived at the finish line, right arm raised in salute, as he concluded his illustrious career with a fourth-place finish in the Great North Run.
The Briton was not able to conjure a valedictory seventh victory at this famous half-marathon at the age of 40. World marathon champion from the previous year, Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola, won in 59 minutes and 58 seconds after Farah was dislodged from the leaders before the sixth-mile mark.
It highlighted the fallibility that even the finest must confront eventually. The reason why the Londoner of Somali descent is certain that now is the time to depart. “With the old Mo,” he mused, “no one would have been able to close that margin. I am not an automaton. Your body is incapable of doing so. If I can’t be the greatest in the world and compete with these individuals, then why are you doing it? Consequently, this has been an incredible career. However, it is crucial to know when to call it quits.”
More than a decade ago, on Super Saturday at the London 2012 Olympics, he, Jessica Ennis, and Greg Rutherford all won gold medals for Great Britain within less than an hour. “I think to myself, ‘Wow, how did we do that?'” he reflected.
Four years later, further Olympic heights were reached in Rio. Yet Farah has been on a victory lap for some time, ever since his failed attempt to qualify for the postponed Tokyo Games of 2021 in pursuit of a treble of 10,000m gold medals. He did not meet the required standard. Sport inevitably advances.
Unrelenting and grueling training treks in the valleys of Kenya and the mountains of southern France have become gambles. A cycle of good health, injuries, and discoloration. Still capable of competing and occasionally succeeding. There is sufficient value in the Farah brand to supplement his retirement fund handsomely, with stardust added to events such as the London Marathon and this Great North Run despite his waning abilities.
No British athlete has come close to matching his list of accomplishments, which includes 17 major titles on the track and national records from 1500 meters to the marathon. An astounding variety. Nonetheless, inquiry has accompanied acclaim. During his prime, he was coached by the American Alberto Salazar, who was eventually barred from the sport for doping violations following widespread rumors of misconduct.
Farah passed all routine and rigorous examinations without incident. He has asserted his innocence and implored us to take him at his word. What would he like his legacy to be? “Just someone who is always committed, who gave it 110% regardless of the circumstance. And someone who can overcome numerous obstacles in numerous ways,” he said.
According to his warm reception on Tyneside, the public’s affinity for him has not been clouded by the fog.
Maxine from Gateshead, a member of the banner-waving contingent, remarked, “He’s just so motivating.” Sian from Darlington remarked, “We wanted to be here because this was his moment.”
Andy Butchart, Farah’s training partner who finished sixth, stated, “To be a part of Mo’s last race was pretty special.” The originator of the Great North Run, Brendan Foster, stated, “Guys like Mo don’t come around very often.”
This annual event will retain its star quality. Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya won the women’s race in 66 minutes and 45 seconds. Bill Cooksey, 102 years old, slowly circumnavigated the course to raise money for Durham’s National Health Service. Keith Turner, a blind runner, set a world record for completing this distance untethered by following the sound of a bell. Heroes of a distinct breed.
What will Farah do next? He insisted on an end to running. No Saturday mornings at the park run near his residence in south London. Just a planned treat tea of a calorie-dense curry, followed by the Monday morning school run.
“It’s going to be very difficult,” he concluded. “Because I am one of these athletes who must remain in motion.” He jogged off to more bows and selfies as the signs that had propelled him to the end of the era became mementos.
