On Sunday 10th September, 16 members of Grantham Running Club headed up to (a very warm) Newcastle to take part in the Great North Run.
The run saw Sir Mo Farah take fourth place in what was the final race of his career, making this a me-Mo-rable event for all involved. Crowds were treated to a Red Arrows pass over and a subsequent display above the finish area in South Shields. GNR is the worlds largest half marathon and sees more than 50,000 runners taking on the 13.1-mile route through the city centre, across the iconic Tyne Bridge and then heading to the sea front in South Shields. On the last mile straight, participants are greeted with cheering crowds and great support from the local Geordies!
First home was newbie to the club, Gavin Potter, who produced an excellent time of 01:23:49. It was Gavin’s first trip to the toon, and he loved it. He also managed to raise money for the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance in memory of his Grandad.
Next home was Robin Atter, who after a tough week, decided to run in memory of his Nanna and dog, Millie. Robin managed to bag a high-five from Newcastle United Manager Eddie Howe on his way over the start line and then made his way to the coast in a great time of 01:35:22.
Matthew Atter was next back for the club in a time of 01:37:50. This was Matt’s first GNR experience and he wasn’t disappointed by the atmosphere and support along the course. Conditions meant he struggled early doors but managed to recover in the last 4 miles to finish in this great time – he will be back!
Daniel Pearce felt the hot conditions took their toll but was helped around the course by the support of the crowds to cross the line in 01:39:15. He found Newcastle very welcoming and overall the GNR experience an enjoyable one.
Next home for the green and black army, and running for Blood Cancer UK, was Stefan Latter, who was left feeling slightly disappointed with his finish time. The race started well for Stef but after 8 miles, the heat forced him to dial back in order to finish safely and still in a very good time of 01:43:51. As always, he found the Geordie hospitality second to none!
Mark Angeloni found the weather brutal but still managed to finish in a very respectable time of 01:47:41. Mark enjoyed being part of the GRC gang on the day and was pleased to get back safely considering the conditions.
Cameron Hoggan, who accidentally become the GRC poster boy for the event, appearing on the BBC more times than he was pleased with, came in at 01:55:45. Cameron was content with this time having been plagued with injuries this year.
First lady home for the club was Zoe Wragg, who was pleased to bag a new PB of 01:59:41 and a course improvement of over 3 minutes compared with last years GNR.
Next lady home was Emma Duncan, who completed her third GNR this year in a time of 02:01:43, giving her a new PB of over 3 minutes which she was extremely happy with. The last mile was a favourite for Emma and one she won’t forget.
Running for the Lincs and Notts air ambulance in memory of her Dad was Rachel Hamilton who completed her third GNR in 02:05:32. The heat meant she stopped at every water station along the way but she enjoyed the support of all the locals along the route, plus seeing her daughter run the Junior GNR the day before too.
The next four back for the club were Esther Fraser-Betts (02:09:25), Mark Edwards (02:23:02), Sarah Whatton (02:58:42) and George Szkoda (03:12:38).
Next across the line were sisters Holly Durham and Penny Hodges who completed in 03:32:31 and 03:32:35. They both ran/walked the course with their Dad for the British Heart Foundation. Both enjoyed taking selfies along the route and wearing fancy dress costumes but were surprised by the spectrum of weather experienced along the 13.1 miles.
All agreed it was a fantastically supported race and a memorable Great North Run with it being Sir Mo’s last and with the return of the red arrows this year, making it feel particularly special. No doubt there will be lots of Green and Black vests in the 2024 race. Oggy Oggy Oggy!
Gavin Potter – 01:23:49
Robin Atter – 01:35:22
Matthew Atter – 01:37:50
Daniel Pearce – 01:39:15
Stefan Latter – 01:43:51
Mark Angeloni – 01:47:41
Cameron Hoggan – 01:55:45
Zoe Wragg – 01:59:41
Emma Duncan – 02:01:43
Rachel Hamilton – 02:05:32
Esther Fraser-Betts – 02:09:25
Mark Edwards – 02:23:02
Sarah Whatton – 02:58:42
George Szkoda – 03:12:38
Holly Durham – 03:32:31
Penny Hodges – 03:32:35
Report by: Zoe Wragg