How you can still join the Great North Run fun

BARBARA HODGSON HAS NEWS ON THE ATHLETIC EVENTS YOU CAN STILL ENTER DURING THE GREAT NORTH RUN WEEKEND

SEEING joggers around the region in preparation for September’s Great North Run is enough to inspire anyone to don a pair of trainers.

Britain’s biggest run provides plenty of motivation for all ages, including youngsters already encouraged by recent Olympic successes and the current World Athletics Championships.

And it ensures there is something to cater for young and old alike who want to get involved over the big weekend. The Saturday before the race includes runs for children and teenagers, making sure they can feel a major part in North East’s top sporting event and join in the party atmosphere.

The Simplyhealth Great North Run weekend on September 9 and 10 will be action-packed and the Saturday promises a great starter ahead of Sunday’s main event.

The popular 5k, Junior and Mini runs all take place on the day as does the Great North CityGames, drawing tens of thousands of spectators.

And the good news is that one of these events still has places for those wanting a more active role: the Great North 5k.

Here’s a rundown of what’s happening on the day and how to get involved

SIMPLYHEALTH GREAT NORTH RUN WEEKEND SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Great North 5k

Aimed at 14-year-olds and over, this run starts on the Newcastle side of the Tyne and follows a scenic route over two of the quayside’s seven bridges: the Swing Bridge and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

As well as boasting a great atmosphere of its own, there is plenty more to follow, with a Pasta Party adding to the party mood.

Everyone involved in the Simplyhealth Great North Run weekend is invited to what’s being billed as the biggest pasta party ever.

Participants will find a voucher at the bottom of their run number to claim a free bowl of pasta. And with around 22,000 attendees each year, that’s a lot of pasta.

As they eat, they can also pick up lots of information about leading a healthier and fitter lifestyle.

There are still places available.

Junior Great North Run

This 4k run for nine-to-16-year-olds is sold out – but you can still cheer them on!

Mini Great North Run

As with the Junior event, overwhelming demand for entries means this 1.5k run, for three-to-eightyear-olds, is also sold out.

Great North CityGames

A highlight of the sporting weekend, this attracts crowds of more than 25,000 spectators to the banks of the Tyne to watch world-class athletes from around the globe compete alongside the best home-grown talent.

It will take place from 1.15pm-3.15pm and will feature live on BBC1.