by Stuart Weir
Mo Farah takes the 10,000m, London 2017, photo by World Athletics
The word is getting out that Mo Farah will do his first race since last July 2021. Stuart Weir wrote about it.
When Mo Farah failed to achieve the Olympic qualifying time for Tokyo – running 27:50.64 in the official 10k UK trials and 27:47.04 in a specially arranged race at the GB track trials, we wondered if we would see him run again.
Mo Farah, 2021 British Trials, photo by British Athletics
Farah is a month short of his 39th birthday. He has nothing to prove to anyone: 5 Olympic gold medals (2012 and 2016), six world championship gold medals plus two silvers, dominating the 5k and 10k 2012-2017.
While he won many half-marathons he never had the same success at the marathon level. He won Chicago and was3rd and 5th in London, great performances but less so if you are used to winning every time.
2021 British 10,000m Trials, photo British Trials
This week it was announced that Sir Mo Farah had confirmed that he would be back in action at the 2022 Vitality London 10,000 on Monday 2 May.
Having recovered from injury, he is preparing for the 2022 season, with the Vitality London 10,000 – an event he has won on seven occasions – his first confirmed race of the year.
Farah said: “I’m really looking forward to getting out there and racing again at an event that I really love. I’ve been working hard to get back into shape following my injury last summer and I’ve got a few more months of hard training ahead of me, so it’s good to have a target like the Vitality London 10,000 to work towards.
“I have great memories of the event. I have won it seven times and racing in central London is something you can never get bored of. The atmosphere among the thousands of participants is always fantastic and I can’t wait to be part of it again.”
Mo Farah battling at 2021 British Trials, photo by British Athletics
Farah’s wins at the Vitality London 10,000 came in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2018 and 2019. He set the British 10K record of 27 minutes and 44 seconds in the 2010 race, a time equaled by Emile Cairess in Valencia earlier this year.
Farah added: “The 10K is the perfect distance for those who starting to run or for those looking for a first challenge and the Run Happy & Healthy Plan is a great way to guide you towards Event Day. So sign up and come and join me at the Vitality London 10,000.
“The pandemic has meant some of the great mass participation events like the Vitality London 10,000 haven’t been able to take place in central London for more than two years, so it’s so exciting they’re returning. It’s so important events like this are coming back because everyone likes to set a target.
“Whether you’ve won Olympic titles or are just starting out, goals are important to keep you fit and focused, so get down to your local parkrun and sign up for this event – I look forward to seeing you on the Start Line!”
