From Sarah Hayes…
The 42nd Great North Run was destined to be momentous as it was Sir Mo Farah’s last competitive race. It felt special to be part of this occasion. This was my second time running this iconic race having first taken part as a student in 1993 and during the race had the occasional flash backs to that day 30 years ago (blimey!).
It is the world’s largest half marathon with 60000 participants. I had not quite appreciated how many people that was until I arrived at Newcastle City Centre seeing the crowds gathered at their allocated starting pens in the morning sunshine.
Despite the vast numbers it was an incredibly well organised event with lots of lovely friendly Geordie marshals. (having been brought up in the North East I’m a bit biased!)
Right from arriving at the metro station to the bag drop off everything ran like clockwork. The only queues (as expected) were for the portaloos.
The temperature was perfect for picnicking or a Sunday stroll but a little too hot for running. We were held in the starting pens with very little shade for at least 45 minutes before the start. Everyone was, as a consequence, feeling overheated before we had even started.
For the first few miles I was going too fast and could feel the heat sapping my energy. (Why can’t I pace myself more like Geoff Howard?)
I felt emotional going over the Tyne Bridge. Shortly afterwards we were treated to a fly past by the red arrows.
There were huge crowds cheering all along the route. Spectators were offering ice pops, oranges and sweets. The occasional soaking from a garden hose was most welcome. Steel bands and live music played at every turn.
Thankfully there were plenty of water stations of which I took advantage, drinking some of the water bottle and dousing myself in the remainder.
It was so inspiring seeing so many people running for so many different charities en route.
By the final few miles the clouds had arrived and the temperature was cooler enabling me to maintain a reasonable pace for the final mile along the seafront at South Shields.
My mum who is now 80 was there to meet me at the end. She has run this race on many occasion in the past and was reminiscing of previous GNRs. However when we heard that someone who was 103 completed the event you could see her thinking well maybe I could give it another go….
Sir Mo Farah came 4th in 1:03:28
Nine Ilkley Harriers took part, Tony Pye finishing in an impressive 1:38. Link below to Ilkley Harrier results.