Last weekend saw 5 inspirational runners battle the 13.1 miles of the worlds most iconic half marathon, the Great North Run, raising much needed funds for North Yorkshire Sport to use movement, activity and sport to support improved mental health in the county.
In good condition for running, the 5 heroes embarked on a journey from Newcastle to South Shields, with thousands of spectators lining the route.
Each of our runners had their own reasons for being on the start line, and this is what some of them had to say about their experience…
Congratulations to Paul Cull
Congratulations to Jennie Thompson
What was your time? How did that compare to your target time?
I completed it in 2 hours and 46 minutes.
How did that compare to your target time?
I was aiming for 2 hours and 30 minutes, but considering I had a bad ankle injury just a week before — and was seriously thinking of deferring right up until Saturday — I was just happy to finish.
What was your highlight from the event?
Honestly, running the whole thing side by side with my husband and crossing the finish line hand in hand will always be a highlight for me.
Please can you give us some reflections on the whole process of training through to the event? What has the journey been like?
I really enjoyed the training process. Having done it before, I knew it could be challenging. I had two major setbacks with injuries — first, serious shin splints (which I ignored for too long, resulting in a month-long forced break), and then a bad fall the week before the race that left me with a bruised and swollen ankle. Both felt like tough knock-backs.
On the day, I was nervous but excited. I can’t explain enough how supportive the spectators were throughout the whole 13.1 miles — offering sweets, orange slices, and even ice pops, which I was especially thankful for at mile 11!
The first 10 miles felt great, but the final three — especially the last mile — were tough. I was absolutely thrilled to cross the finish line and finally take a break.
The journey from start to finish has felt a bit like navigating mental health — some good days, some bad days, and some days where you’d rather not show up at all. But I kept reminding myself that a bad run is still better than no run… very cliché, I know!
Finally, could you share any final comments on how this has helped your mental health, or how you feel about your fundraising going to support other people with their mental health?
Having a goal has been so motivating, even when it felt daunting. The fundraising element really helped push me over the line on Sunday — there were definitely moments when I wanted to give up, but I didn’t want to let anyone down.
I’m really proud that the money I’ve raised will go towards supporting others with their mental health. I hope it helps them find something that gives them the same kind of boost I’ve found in running… which still feels quite shocking to say!
Congratulations to Jay Townend
Register your interest for next year!
North Yorkshire Sport have opened up expressions of interest in being part of our team for the 2026 Great North Run, which takes place on Sunday 13th September. To put your name forward please email aubrey@northyorkshiresport.co.uk asking to be added to the Great North Run 2026 list.
