Athletics: Hellen Obiri wins the Great North Run women's half marathon in the UK

Hellen Obiri (C) [photo courtesy]

Olympic silver medalist Hellen Obiri is the 2021 Great North Run women's half marathon.

Obiri clocked 1:07:42 to finish ahead of Eilish McColgan who came second in a time of 1:07:48.

Scotland's McColgan was aiming to repeat her mum Liz's three victories at the event in the 1990s.

Great Britain's Charlotte Purdue finished third in 1:08:49.

Four NHS workers - a cardiologist, an occupational health worker and two nurses - were invited to start the race in recognition of the health service's efforts during the pandemic.

Thousands of people took part in the 40th edition of the Great North Run.

Last year's event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic and organizers were forced to change the half-marathon's route this year to aid social distancing.

In the men’s category, Great Britain's MarcScott won the Great North Run half marathon in 61:22 as Kenya's Edward Cheserek was second in 61:31 with Galen Rupp finished third in 61:51.