We are hugely grateful to have 5 runners taking on the Great North Run 2025 on behalf of North Yorkshire Sport! On Sunday 7th September, these runners will be taking part in the world’s greatest half-marathon while raising funds to support the mental health of their local communities. All proceeds will support our initiatives within York and/or North Yorkshire for improving mental health through movement, activity and sport.
We asked some of our runners about their journey to the Great North Run. Here’s what they had to say:
Runner Diary: Jennie Thompson
1. Why did you decide to run the Great North Run and raise funds to help support mental health through sport with North Yorkshire Sport?
Honestly, this is something I connect with deeply. As a kid, I was super active — always in clubs, teams, or doing sports at every opportunity. But that all stopped when I reached Sixth Form. I’d been lucky to attend an all-girls school from ages 11 to 16, where PE was compulsory and sport was encouraged. But when I moved to a co-ed school and PE became optional, I drifted away from it. The nearest team for the sport I loved was in Leeds, which felt too far, and nothing else really grabbed me.
It wasn’t until university that I picked up sport again, but by then the habit had faded, and unfortunately, my mental health began to decline. Looking back, I can clearly see that I needed routine and a healthy outlet — but I didn’t have that at the time.
Thankfully, I met my partner four years later, and we spent a lot of time exploring new places and going on long walks. He dragged me into running… multiple times… always against my will 😄. It’s taken me 10 years and several attempts at Couch to 5K, but I finally enjoy running. Now, I actually get frustrated when I miss a run day!
2. How is your training going? And do you have a time or a target in mind?
Training was going amazingly well, and I was on track for a sub-2 hour 30 minute finish. But, as with mental health, there are ups and downs — and a few tough runs led to an injury.
The setback has been more frustrating than I’d like to admit, so instead of chasing a personal best, I’m focusing on enjoying the atmosphere and the event itself. I’m aiming for a similar time to my last half marathon — around 2:45 — and if I beat that, I’ll be ecstatic!
Lesson learned: if you feel a pain, don’t ignore it and hope it’ll go away!
3. What are you most looking forward to about the Great North Run?
I honestly can’t wait! I’m a bit terrified I won’t make it round and will disappoint people, but mostly I’m just excited to experience the event and cross that finish line.
The Great North Run is such an incredible race — the crowd support, the energy, the sense of community — it’s something I’ve always wanted to be part of. I’m really looking forward to running alongside thousands of others, all with their own stories and reasons for being there. It’s inspiring and humbling.
I’m also excited to represent North Yorkshire Sport and raise awareness for mental health through physical activity. Knowing that every step I take is helping support others makes the whole experience even more meaningful.
And on a personal level, this feels like a milestone. It’s a celebration of how far I’ve come — not just in terms of fitness, but in rebuilding routines that support my mental health.
4. Lastly, how does being active help support your mental health?
Running has become part of my routine, alongside strength training, and it’s a key part of how I manage my mental health. I wouldn’t say running is for everyone, but staying active in some way has definitely helped me.
Running is my stress relief. It helps on days when there’s just too much noise in my brain.
On those days, I put on music — whatever suits my mood, whether it’s heavy metal, acoustic hits, or 90s throwbacks. Then I focus on one foot in front of the other, one breath at a time. I try to quiet my mind and just be present. Sometimes, if it’s a slower run, I take in what’s around me; other days, I just stare at the pavement.
You can sponsor Jennie by visiting her fundraising page here
Runner Diary: Sam Lewis
1. Why the Great North Run & North Yorkshire Sport?
It’s my first time running for charity, so why not start with the world’s greatest half marathon? North Yorkshire Sport’s focus on mental health through sport really resonates, it’s simple, powerful, and a cause worth sweating for.
2. Training & targets?
Training’s ticking along. Yes, I have a PB in mind, but I’m not saying it out loud… that way if I smash it, I look like a hero, and if I don’t, no one’s the wiser!
3. Most looking forward to?
That finish line at South Shields, one of my happy places and the unbeatable atmosphere. The streets lined with the friendliest people cheering you on… it’s pure magic. And with my husband being from Newcastle, it feels like a home crowd too (bonus points for the accent appreciation afterwards).
4. How being active helps me?
Running basically keeps me sane. It makes me calmer, more positive, and (so I’m told) far less grumpy. Think of it as a public service: every mile I run gives my resting bitch face the day off.
Can’t wait for the big day — bring on the Tyne Bridge goosebumps! Haway the runners! 🖤🤍
You can sponsor Sam by visiting her fundraising page here
Runner Diary: Paul Cull
Runner Diary: Jay Townend
Having carried out work through funding from North Yorkshire Sport it was a no brainer when I saw a Facebook post asking for people to run the Great North Run. Having done the lockdown run and the 40th birthday run I have never done the official route so thought why not give something back. Been a keen cyclist I have done lots of cycling but not much running unfortunately due to work and family commitments. My previous best time was just over 2 hours so I would like to beat that however with little training I am not optimistic. I loved the atmosphere previously and am now looking forward to the official route.
You can sponsor Jay through his fundraising page here
