Runners’ great event to support charities
A group of runners organised their own 5k, 10k and half marathon after the cancellation of this year’s Great North Run.
And the first Great Seaham Run – which had a choice of three distances – was a roaring success, with more than 100 participants taking to the track on what should have been the 40th staging of the famous North East half marathon.
The milestone race was cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, with runners instead encouraged to take part in a virtual challenge.
But the Great Seaham Run, which took place in line with social distancing rules on Sunday, September 13, gave those who had trained so hard a chance to run and raise money for their chosen charities.
Julie Young, one of the event’s organisers, said: “A lot of us in the running groups were looking forward to doing the Great North Run, many, like myself, doing it for the first time.
"We’ve trained really hard and wanted to prove to ourselves we could do the distance as well as raising thousands for charities close to our hearts.”
Runners paid to receive a medal, T-shirt and goodie bag, with the remaining proceeds of £800 being split between a number charities - including Parkinson’s UK, Wearside Women in Need, Tabitha’s Toys, RNLI, Macmillan,andthe Great North Air Ambulance.
The runners came from the SeahamAspiringLadies(SALs) and Vane Tempest Running Club, led by Sally Hall, who added: "I am overwhelmed with the number of runners taking part in this special event.
“I am so proud of their dedication to training and their motivation and support for each other.”