Great North 10k reaches its 10-year milestone
RUNNERS AND CHARITY FUNDRAISERS LAUNCH THE EVENT
This summer marks a major milestone for the North East’s biggest 10k running event.
And Sunderland’s own Aly Dixon joined runners in Gateshead today to launch 2018’s Great North 10k, which takes place on Sunday, July 8.
The race will celebrate its 10th year this summer – and takes place two months before the iconic Great North Run.
Aly, who recently finished sixth in the Commonwealth Games marathon, was among those sharing her memories of the race at its launch today.
She came second in the Great North 10k in 2014.
The Sunderland Stroller said: “I’ve taken part in the Simplyhealth Great North 10k before when it’s fit in with my training, it’s pretty close to home and is a good fast run.
“I have always enjoyed the course when I have taken part. It’s also a tough one because you have two little hills on the course.
“It’s amazing to have another big run on our doorstep and it keeps the North East on the map, which is fantastic.”
Colin Plews from South Shields, also known as Big Pink Dress, also attended the launch event at Gateshead International Stadium today.
Colin started fundraising in 2014 for Breast Cancer Now while wearing a handmade pink dress. Four years on and thousandsofpoundslater,the Great North 10k is part of his annual running repertoire.
To commemorate the 10-year anniversary, the runner is creating a special dress thatwillbedesignedbyschoolchildren from South Shields.
He said: “The Simplyhealth Great North 10k is very special to me as it’s an event I took part in during my very first year of fundraising.
“It’s one of my home events and the atmosphere is always incredible. It’s an amazing atmosphere and a great day out for the family.
“I thought it would be a nice way to mark 10 years of the event by asking schoolchildren to enter a competition to design a commemorative dress. Myself and three other judges will pick the winning design and I’ll be wearing it in style at the event this year.”