Thousands Raised For Charity

On the start line were 57,000 runners from more than 140 countries all with one aim in mind, reaching the finish line in South Shields.

Mo Farah stole the show once again becoming the first British man to win four Great North Runs. Mo said: “It was a great race today, I really enjoyed it – I just had to dig deep. What a year I’ve had! It’s nice to finish it at home.”

This year both local C of E Bishops joined many joined thousands of runners raising money for their favourite charities. Bishop of Newcastle, Christine Hardman, was raising money for the West End Refugee Service (WERS) Hardship Fund, and the Bishop of Berwick, Mark Tanner was raising money for youth work in Byker carried out by MINE (Mission Initiative Newcastle East).

Bishop Christine commenting after the race said: ‘A huge thank you to everyone who has donated. I have been so overwhelmed and grateful for everyone’s enthusiasm, and am delighted that we have been able to give WERS this important support.’ At the time of writing she had raised £3,500 on her Just Giving page.

Great North Run founder Brendan Foster told Premier “In total over the years we’ve raised half a billion pounds for charity whish is fantastic”.

Premier’s Northern Correspondent Ian Britton was at the finish line to soak up all the atmosphere.