Sir Mo Farah very emotional in final race at Great North Run

The multi world and Olympic 5000m and 10000m champion completed the punishing 13.1-mile half marathon route from Newcastle to South Shields in one hour, three minutes and 28 seconds to finish fourth.

And while all the cheers and focus was on the Londoner, Ethiopia’s former world marathon champion Tamirat Tola, 32, overcame Belgium’s Bashir Abdi and fellow countryman Muktar Edris, the 2017 and 2019 world 5000m champion, to win the elite men’s race in 59.58.

Abdi, a training partner of Farah, was second in 1:01.20 while Edris was third in 1:01.54.

But the day belonged to star attraction Farah who was welcomed by huge cheers and congratulations after crossing the finishing line near Long Beach, South Shields.

Farah had also finished fourth at the Big Half a week earlier, in 1:02.43 and told BBC Sport’s Gabby Logan: “It’s very emotional.

“It’s amazing support. I wanted to come out here and celebrate. Without the crowd I wouldn’t have got through it.

“It’s very important to have a race like this. Without the support and community in Newcastle, it wouldn’t be the same.”

Farah, 40, was keen to sign off his illustrious career at the prestigious AJ Bell North East Run, a race he has won six times.

“There was a lot going through my mind today,” he added.

“I wanted to end my career here in Newcastle. I’ve won it six times and come here off the back of Olympics and World Championships.”

Farah, who will be regarded as one of the greatest British athletes of all time, revealed exclusively how he wants to give something back to the sport and take up a coaching role at his beloved Newham & Essex Beagles. 

“Running is everything to me,” he added. “I shared my story of what I went through as a child. Without having something to do and make me happy, it would have been very difficult for me. 

“What we forget is the people behind you. Without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am. My wife (Tania) looking after the kids when I’m away. It is very emotional.

“I get to go and enjoy my time with my wife and kids. Running is all I know. When you win something, you don’t quite appreciate it as much as when you lose. I’ve struggled with injuries these last few years. I wanted to end my career at the Olympics.”