Great North Run: 1hr 34mins 53secs

Sep 18, 2011

1 min read

This was a first for me and my brother, in fact he had never done any kind of road race before!

It was an emotional day. The Red Arrows flew over the start in honour of Jon Egging, a red arrows pilot who died a few weeks before at an air show. They then flew over the Tyne Bridge in "missing man" formation - a very moving sight.

An incredible event, 50,000+ taking part. The scene at the start is mind boggling - a sea of people lined up along Newcastle’s central motorway for as far as the eye can see. I noticed watching the highlights that by the time Mathathi, the winner, had crossed the line in 58mins 56 secs, people were still crossing the start line!

The race itself was good but congested. I got really boxed in for the first 3 or 4 miles so I was pleased to finish in 1 hr 34mins. The great British weather played its part and the heavens opened as I ran down to the sea front at South Shields.

My brother, with taped up knees, did great for his first time out and ran 1hr 56 mins - he is now a running convert!