Running News Daily

The AJ Bell Great South Run delivered a thrilling day of road racing, with Kadar Omar and Hannah Irwin claiming impressive victories after two contrasting battles at the front of the field.

Omar produced a powerful display in the men’s race, breaking away early alongside twice Olympian Andy Butchart. The pair quickly established themselves at the head of the field and went through the 10-kilometre mark together in 29:34, setting the stage for a fascinating battle over the closing stages.

But while Butchart remained firmly in contention through the first part of the race, Omar began to turn the screw as the finish approached. The Birchfield Harriers athlete shifted through the gears and opened a 27-second advantage by 15 kilometres, putting himself firmly in control.

The 30-year-old continued to extend his advantage over the final kilometre before crossing the finish line in 47:27 to secure a convincing victory. His ability to maintain his pace and push clear in the closing stages ultimately proved decisive.

Butchart, making his Great South Run debut, finished strongly to take second in 47:49, while Alex Durant of Sheffield AC & Dearn secured third place. City of Portsmouth athlete Lachlan Wellington was sixth, completing the race in 50:27.

Omar’s victory was a testament to his ability to judge a race perfectly. After running conservatively alongside Butchart during the early stages, he found another level when it mattered most and produced the decisive move that separated him from his closest rival.

Speaking after his victory, Omar reflected on the demanding conditions and the effort required to secure the title.

“I pushed myself through the wind. And I gave it all I had,” Omar said. “I’m happy. It’s a great event, you know. Hopefully next year I can come back and race again.”

The women’s race was an entirely different story, with Hannah Irwin and defending champion Verity Ockenden locked in a remarkably close contest for almost the entire distance.

Irwin eventually prevailed in 53:34, with Ockenden finishing just three seconds behind in 53:37. Daisy Glover completed the women’s podium in 54:53 after another strong performance.

The closeness of the battle was reflected in Irwin’s comments after the finish. Rather than being a race dominated by one athlete, the two leaders remained virtually inseparable until the decisive moments.

“It was a really good fun race today. I really enjoyed having a battle with Verity,” Irwin said. “We were literally neck and neck the entire way, I think until like 200 to go.”

The weather added another challenge to the contest, with the athletes having to contend with strong winds for much of the race. Irwin explained that although the wind became a tailwind approaching the finish, that offered little relief after facing a headwind for much of the course.

“The wind was coming from the other direction, so it was a back wind coming into the finish. But that was no easier because it meant the majority of the rest of the race was a headwind,” she explained.

Irwin also revealed how she approached the tactical battle with Ockenden, recognising that the defending champion was having an exceptionally strong day and deciding that working together could benefit both athletes.

“I kind of thought, I think she (Ockenden) is having a really good day today, so we’re just going to have to work together,” Irwin said.

The decisive moment finally arrived in the closing stages, when Irwin found enough strength to hold off Ockenden and secure the victory by the narrowest of margins.

“I was pleased that my legs held on and I managed to come away with the win,” Irwin added.

The contrasting nature of the two elite races made for a memorable edition of the AJ Bell Great South Run. Omar gradually transformed an early breakaway into a commanding victory, while Irwin had to fight until the final moments to deny the defending champion.

With strong performances throughout both races, the event once again provided a compelling showcase of elite road racing, combining tactical battles, challenging conditions and dramatic finishes. For Omar and Irwin, however, the day belonged to them as they emerged victorious on a memorable day in Portsmouth.