21 things we’ll miss about GNR
THOUSANDS of people will be waking up this morning with an empty feeling as there is no actual Great North Run this year because of the coronavirus crisis.
While the organisers have created a virtual race to which many have signed up, and which will no doubt be fun, it won’t beat the real thing.
Though there are some wonderful touches – such as Mark Knopfler’s new version of local hero, a song forever linked to the greatest half-marathon in the world.
Those who have taken part have become accustomed to a host of familiar sights and sounds that will be missing from their lives this year.
Most are reassuring, some are not – the hill at 12 miles, for example.
There are deeply personal moments like the encouragement of complete strangers as you hit the wall, the rites of passage moment for first-time entrants as they cross the Tyne Bridge and the Red Arrows roar overhead.
Then there is the relief, then joy and pride at crossing the finishing line, so many things to remember, here are just a few of the highlights that will leave us longing for the next race day:
1Getting
to the start on the morning of the race. For many this means a commute on trains packed with fellow runners during which new friendships are formed.
2Making
your way to the start zone and that mild feeling of panic – sometimes horror – of will you make it in time to the start.
3Standing
in the start zone and looking around at the sea of goodnatured humanity around you. A special communal moment.
4Feeling
a bit self conscious as you warm up like the professional athletes you’ve seen do it on the telly.
5The
butterflies in your stomach before you start and the release of emotion when the starting gun goes. 6The
surprise at how long it takes to actually get to the start line such are the crowds.
7Trying
to high-five the celeb who fires the gun.
8That
first big tactical quandary – is it better to go over or under the flyover?
9The
sound of oggy, oggy, oggy. OI OI OI! echoing through the underpass before you cross the Tyne Bridge.
10The
involuntary flinch at the noise of the Red Arrows as they roar overhead flying red, white and blue just for you.
11The
weird and wonderful costumes many wear, some more practical than others. How the hell will they make it to the end you think more than once.
12Feeling
the Felling bypass turn into the Pyrenees under your feet.
13Chuckling
smugly at those already walking before Gateshead Stadium just as someone old enough to be your grandmother nips past. 14That
squeeze towards South Tyneside at White Mare Pool.
15Seeing
the roadside TV interviews and the cameras and hoping you don’t look as bad as you’re beginning to feel.
16Feeling
humbled when you run up behind someone whose shirt simply reads: “For mum.” And those many other moments when you realise how much this race means to so many people.
17Having
a complete stranger calling you by name (and you realising it’s printed on your race number) at 11 miles, yelling: “Come on, you’re nearly there now.”
18That
final, brutal, hill. Then seeing the blue sea and thinking you really are nearly there although that final mile seems neverending.
19The
amazing amount of people at the finish line who have hung around to cheer as you arrive after the winner – usually Mo Farah – who has had time to do a series of interviews, have a shower, a three-course meal and run back to Newcastle.
20The
multitude of feelings as you cross the line – exhaustion, exhilaration, exultation, celebration, vindication, sheer overflowing jubilation!
21Heading
to the the family reunion section and already looking forward to next year. Something we’ll all be doing this year and hoping for better times ahead.
Our sister website Chroniclelive will be covering today’s virtual run. Share photos and experiences on Twitter @whatsonne or @barbarahodgson5