Boxer Tommy Fury has sparked outrage after barging rival runners out of his path during a dramatic sprint finish at the Great North Run in Newcastle, just days after being accused of misleading fans about completing a 100km triathlon on the French Riviera.
The 26-year-old Love Island star was caught on camera shoving two fellow competitors aside as he powered through the final corner of the prestigious half marathon on Sunday, completing the 13.1-mile course in 1:34:35. The controversial moment, which has gone viral on social media with over 250,000 likes on Instagram, has reignited debate about the boxer’s running etiquette and competitive behaviour at mass participation events.
Footage shows Fury accelerating past other runners in the closing stages before appearing to push them out of his way with his arms as he rounded the final bend towards the finish line in South Shields. The incident prompted immediate backlash from spectators and fellow runners alike.
“Please tell me this is some kind of joke,” one shocked viewer commented on social media, whilst another added: “Pushing someone is just unnecessary.” A third wrote: “Surely that’s a straight disqualification?” One runner observed: “That’s actually insane.”
Pattern of Controversial Sprint Finishes
This latest controversy is not Fury’s first viral running moment. The younger brother of heavyweight champion Tyson Fury has developed a reputation for his theatrical sprint finishes at running events, which he regularly posts to his social media accounts. In January, footage of him nearly knocking over an elderly woman whilst charging to the line at a charity 10k race in Tatton Park attracted widespread attention online.
Tommy Fury doing the Great North Run with a sprint finish wasn’t on my bingo cards for this year,” wrote one spectator on TikTok. Another joked: “Runs like an action figure,” whilst a third added: “Someone tell him it’s not a race.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about running etiquette, with many criticising Fury’s apparent lack of sportsmanship. “I actually can’t believe he shoved that poor man out the way? It’s so bizarre how he finishes all these races and clearly has no sportsmanship,” questioned one viewer.
Another runner suggested: “Has he considered a faster pace during the run so he doesn’t have so much energy he can shove people at the end?”
Fresh from Triathlon Controversy
Fury’s Great North Run appearance came just one week after he participated in the T100 Triathlon World Tour on the French Riviera, where he claimed to have “completed” the gruelling 100km course despite official records showing otherwise. The event comprised a 2km swim, 80km bike ride and 18km run, which Fury attempted after just ten days of training.
Following the 31 August event, Fury posted on Instagram: “I left it all out in the French Riviera. 100KM triathlon on 10 days training… completed. ✔️” He also asked followers: “Go ahead and roast my form… but could you sprint finish after a 100KM triathlon?”
However, investigation by Marathon Investigation revealed that Fury did not complete the full distance. His bike splits showed he was not logged beyond the 48km point, with official race results listing “DNF” (Did Not Finish) next to his name, making him one of 93 athletes who failed to complete the route.
The Professional Triathletes Organisation later confirmed that road closure permits in France meant Fury and other athletes were unable to complete the bike course before the cut-off time. However, given our philosophy to grow the sport and encourage new athletes, we wanted to give them as full an experience as possible,” the organisation stated. “So they were all given the opportunity to do the 18km run and cross the finish line.”
Despite this clarification, Fury’s Instagram posts suggesting he completed the full 100km remain unedited, continuing to imply he finished the entire distance.
Celebrity Lineup at Great North Run
Fury was among several celebrities participating in this year’s Great North Run, which attracted a record 60,000 entrants. The event was officially started by Newcastle United players Jacob Murphy and Nick Pope, who rang the ceremonial bell before sending runners on their way.
Other famous faces included Dame Kelly Holmes, fitness coach Joe Wicks, Jake Quickenden, Kevin Sinfield and Joe Sugg. Wicks, who also participated in Saturday’s children’s race, praised the occasion as “the best run in the world.”
The elite races saw victories for Kenya, with Sheila Chepkirui winning the women’s race in 1:09:32 and Alex Mutiso taking the men’s title in 1:00:52. British runner Eilish McColgan finished third in the women’s race, just ten seconds behind the winner.
Personal Life Under Scrutiny
Fury’s controversial sporting moments come amid significant changes in his personal life. After splitting from long-term partner and fellow Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague in August 2024, the couple reunited in May 2025. The pair, who share two-year-old daughter Bambi, had been together for five years before their separation.
In a recent interview with Men’s Health UK, Fury revealed that alcohol problems led to their initial split. “We broke up because I had a problem with alcohol and I couldn’t be the partner that I wanted to be anymore,” he explained. “It kills me to say it, but I couldn’t.”
Hague confirmed their reconciliation in her Prime Video documentary series, stating that Fury had not drunk alcohol for four months and that “things are looking so much better.” She described their relationship as “worth saving” but noted they would be taking “things slow.”
Following his return to boxing in May 2025, Fury spoke about his struggles in a post-match interview: “I’ve been through things that tear a man down. Drunk. Alcoholic. Everything. Lost my family for a bit. But everything’s come back together.”
Questions About Sportsmanship
The Great North Run incident has raised serious questions about appropriate behaviour at mass participation events. Running etiquette typically emphasises maintaining awareness of surroundings and avoiding unnecessary contact with other participants when passing.
Fury, who admitted his body was “really feeling it” after the triathlon the previous week, has not publicly commented on the pushing incident. He simply shared a photo of the finish line with the caption: “That was epic.”
The controversy adds to a pattern of behaviour that has seen the boxer consistently generate viral moments at running events, though not always for the right reasons. Critics argue that his aggressive sprint finishes show a lack of respect for fellow participants in what are meant to be inclusive community events.
As one social media user pointed out: “Big bad Tommy Fury pushing his way to the finish line,” capturing the sentiment of many who view his actions as contrary to the spirit of mass participation running.
The Great North Run organisers have not commented on whether any action will be taken regarding Fury’s conduct during the race.
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