The Great North Run 2008

Sunday 5th October

Above: Not so grim up north, B&R runners well wrapped up for a Great Run.

The Sun was shining, the birds were singing and six lots of B&R knees were knocking.  It could only mean one thing:  The Great North Run 2008.

After a couple of heavy rainy days, the weather decided to be kind on Sunday.   Newcastle was cold, but bright and sunny.  National treasure, Sue Barker, was able to look at her regal best.

All 6 runners (4 men and 2 ladies) from B&R fought through runners dressed as superheroes, gladiators and M&M’s and posted impressive performances.

The four men finished in the top 2% of the field (52,000 runners started the race).

Above: John Dineen running for charity was excused his club vest.

First home for B&R was John Dineen who crossed the line in 158 th place in a time of 1:21:41.  He was closely followed home by Mike Hanson in 172nd place (1:22:29).  Andy Freeman, running approximately 13 miles over distance, was next, finishing in 933rd place (1:32:31) just edging out Rob Mole, who continued his impressive return from injury to place 1036th (1:33:09). So drinks on John then?

The ladies also went very well. Charlotte Ball in 1:45:14 was 36th in her age group with Betty O’Gorman not far behind in 1:52:47 and 27th in her age group.

Ex-club member Joanne Hembry (John D’s sister) completed in 1:52:47 (628th  in her age group). Efforts are now being made to get her to rejoin.

It was a great day.  Newcastle might well have a terrible football team, but it doesn’t seem to get them down.  The atmosphere and support along the course was fantastic.

Congratulations to all runners.

(Mike Hanson)