The 13.1 mile route from Newcastle to South Shields attracts more than 50,000 entries each year - making it the world’s largest half-marathon and Britain’s biggest running event.
Pat Darling, Events Manager Special Projects, said: “We had an absolutely fabulous day and have never had so many runners taking part for the charity. With 4,027 runners we broke all our records - there was a sea of yellow and blue Marie Curie Cancer Care vests as far as the eye could see.”
A host of famous faces including Ingrid Tarrant, BBC Newsreader Bill Turnbull, actors Amanda Burton, Charlie Brooks and Scott Maslen were among the celebrities sporting our distinctive yellow and blue vests. Our fastest two celebrities were actor Gary Webster and BBC Radio Scotland’s Bryan Burnett who both ran the course in under two hours. .
Gary Webster was running over the Tyne Bridge as the Red Arrows flew over head, he described the race as an ‘unbelievable experience that he wouldn’t have missed for the world.’
Countdown star Carol Vorderman was ‘Walking for Whiteley,’ in memory of Richard Whiteley along with Dictionary Corner’s Susie Dent and Richard Whiteley’s long term partner Kathryn Apanowicz. So far they have raised £5,830 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Runners retreated to the Charity village where they were serenaded by a string quartet whilst being treated to foot massages.
Marie Curie Cancer Care is the nominated charity for the BUPA Great North Run.
October 2006
