2026 was the year that the world’s largest half marathon celebrated its 45th year and eight Grantham Running Club members were there to take part in the various events that took place over the Great North Run weekend.
The event attracts runners from all over the world and this year was no exception with 63,000 runners pounding the streets from the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne to the coast of South Shields, crossing the iconic Tyne Bridge on the way.
Friday 5K
The first event of the weekend was the Friday 5K which took in the roads of Newcastle city centre, over the Millennium Bridge down to the finish.
Rachel Hamilton, paced by clubmate Gavin Potter crossed the line in a rapid 21:14.
Marj Spendlow, using the race as an easy base run secured a time of 26:34.
Hannah McArthur finished in 31:56, followed by Tracey Gell in 31:35
GNR regular Stuart Baty was managing niggly knee issues and crossed the line in 31:14.
Half Marathon
Sunday was the big day, and the atmosphere didn’t disappoint with the Red Arrows performing their traditional flypast over the runners waiting nervously in the start pens. The route was also lined with huge support all the way.
First back for GRC was Robin Atter who surprised himself with a quick time of 1:39:10 on his 6th outing at the event. He had only just completed the 12 mile Ponton Plod the week before and was thrilled to be first back for the club.
Once again, Gavin Potter was pacing Rachel Hamilton and made a great job of it. They both crossed the line in 1:39:33. Rachel, running in memory of her Dad and raising funds for Notts Air Ambulance was pleased with her sub 1:40 time. Gav, nursing a knee injury was more than happy to run a little steadier and pace Rachel round.
Mark Toms was next in his first time at the event. Despite suffering with a sore achilles, he managed a time of 1:48.
Marj Spendlow also had a very successful run, crossing the line in 1:56:57 and earning herself a new PB. This was her first GNR and she really enjoyed the event despite the hills.
New member Sean Keegan managed a sub 2-hour race. finishing in 1:59:45 despite the heat.
Sam Caton was next in 2:21:49, followed by Tracey Gell who found the heat and crowding hampered her race in her 3rd year running the event, and finished in 2:40.
Report by Marj Spendlow.
