Great North Run 2024
4 Matlock AC Athletes headed up to the North East last weekend for the worlds biggest half marathon with over 50,000 runners, The Great North Run.
The GNR Which starts in Newcastle and finishes on the sea front in South Shields has been running since 1981 organised by Brendan Foster and his Great Run team.
The route starts on Newcastle’s central motorway and heads through the tunnels and underpasses with shouts of ‘Oggy, Oggy, Oggy’ echoing all around, before heading over the Tyne Bridge towards Gateshead for a fast first 5k, then the route slowly undulates for the next 9 miles as you head along the John Reid road towards the Coastline. Finally you can smell the sea air as you approach the 12 mile mark, and enjoy/struggle? down the last mile along the sea front with the cheering supporters with there brolly’s.
Weather conditions were pretty good, just a little fog on the Tyne, but as the race got away, the rain began to pour and all runners got a good soaking in contrast to last years hot & sunny race.
Edward James running his 2nd GNR took 5 minutes off his time last year to finish in 1.22, a superb effort and was back home in Matlock eating his dinner by 5pm.
Angela Maunder did fantastic to finish in 2.18 in the wet conditions and enjoying a great run.
Cherry Moger running her 1st GNR and only her 2nd Half Marathon recorded a brilliant 1.43, enjoying High5s, a sprint finish & a Guinness at the Finish.
Myself (Luke Beresford) finished my 21st GNR and recorded my fastest time on the route in 1.13
Post race drinks were enjoyed in the Sanddancer Pub on the sea front with live music and a few pints of East Coast IPA.