Why it’s the Great North Run

There really is no race quite like the Great North Run.

It’s the biggest road race in the UK and easily the best supported, but for sheer weight of inspirational stories from the many thousands of competitors there is no other that comes close.

While race organisers across the globe may be able to argue a case for their event having the edge over the GNR, none can boast the combined might of history, passion and exuberance of our event.

And, even if they could, we wouldn’t listen.

The Great North Run holds a special place in the heart of the people of the North East, who are fiercely proud of this annual spectacle.

There’s something special about a race in which Mo Farah, one of the world’s greatest ever athletes, shares star billing alongside, among others, a man dressed as a dinosaur!

What this great race provides in visual delights, it easily surpasses in emotion and inspiration.

While the likes of Mo and the stars taking part naturally attract the headlines, it’s the fun-runners raising thousands for charity who provide the heart.

Runners like Sophie Perch, who pounded the streets in memory of her late grandad Tim, but did so to raise money for the hospice that cared for him in his final days.

Sunderland workers Kay Sampson and Karen Wilson are two others who have been inspired by the Great North Run to help raise money for good causes.

Every step of the way there was an inspirational story to be found and another great memory to be had.

It’s the ordinary runners doing extraordinary things that puts the Great into the Great North Run. And they did us proud again...