GREAT NORTH RUN – SUNDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER 2019

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A merry band of Eccleshill Road Runners made the trip up to the North East to line up on the start line of the UK’s biggest half marathon, biggest mass participation event, the Simply Health Great North Run. Starting in Newcastle upon Tyne on what was a chilly start to the day, the 13.1 mile route takes runners through the city centre towards the River Tyne where thousands of people cross over the iconic Tyne Bridge. From there the route travels through Gateshead, all the while runners are entertained by ‘Bands on the Run’ and cheers from the crowds of supporters. This fantastic race provides a rare opportunity to rub shoulders with the likes of Sir Mo Farah (or maybe just boast that you have run in the same race) along with many other of the worlds elite athletes, celebrities, unsung heroes and just plain and simply thousands upon thousands of other runners. You are guaranteed that throughout this race you will find yourself shoulder to shoulder with fellow runners at all times, start to finish.

Making their way along the route lined by thousands of supporters, this then leads runners to South Shields where at the top of Prince Edward Road the view of the sea is one of the most welcoming sights along the whole course. At the bottom of the hill with just a mile to go along the sea front, the throng of the crowds carries the tired but euphoric runners to the finish line. Eccleshill’s heroes were: Dan Jenkins 1:38:22, Garry Ellison 1:54:25, Lee Matthews 2:01:11, Gemma Illingworth 1:59:10, Vicky Cousins 2:14:50, Caroline Ward 2:53:25, Anne Blakey 2:33:03, Debbie Merckx 2:37:16, Jonathan Tansley (congratulations on your first half marathon!) 2:27:50.

Well done everyone!