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Beyond the Finish Line: An Ultra Runner’s Torah

Confirmed

Faith Desk

In Short: Prime Minister Andy Burnham crossed the finish line of the Great North Run in South Shields on Sunday, September 13, 2026, with a time of 1:57:34, making him the first serving British Prime Minister to complete the world's largest half marathon.

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The 45th edition of the Great North Run saw a record 63,000 runners take on the 13.1-mile course from Newcastle to the North East coast.

Burnham said he was very happy with his finish time, adding that he was raising money for North East charity Changing Lives, which he visited last month to launch a national drive to end rough sleeping.

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The event is widely regarded as the world's biggest half marathon, with thousands lining the streets to cheer on the runners.

In the men's race, Kenyan runner Geoffrey Talbi won with a time of 59:47, followed closely by fellow Kenyan runner Mutiso, who finished 14 seconds behind.

Marc Scott, the first British man to finish, came in eighth with a time of 1:02:10, five years after he won the race in 2021.

In the women's race, Kenya's Brigid Kosgei achieved a convincing victory, finishing in 1:06:15.

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