Fun for all at Bupa Great North Run

The weekend’s Bupa Great North Run saw a whopping 54,000 people walking, jogging and running their way around just over 13 miles worth of the streets of Newcastle and raising millions of pounds for charity.

Run England were at the Great North Run Show this year with a stand of goodies and information about our project, with the host of benefits of the free membership – like £15 off running shoes at Sweatshop – going down very well.

More than 150 signed up in just six hours, tipping us over the 9,000 members mark - thanks for the support! The Run England stand was non-stop with interest as runners from all over the country signed up to make sure they get the support and encouragement to help them with their next running challenge after the world’s biggest half marathon.

One of the main benefits of joining Run England is being part of one of the nearly 600 running groups nationwide with trained Group Leaders waiting to support runners on their own personal journey, whether running for fun, to keep fit, raise money for charity or simply doing something you love. Running is fun, and it’s even more fun running with your friends and making new friends too.

There was also a competition for all who signed up on the day. Well done to Rebecca Cheslett from Halifax who was chosen at random for the prize, winning a pair of Brooks running shoes!

The Run England stand also attracted some international attention! Members of Team USA (pictured), winners of the City Games event, had heard about Run England and visited us to hear what it was all about!

Thanks for everyone who visited our stand and a massive well done to everyone who took part or came to the North East to support!

Here's a selection of the comments we received on Facebook from people who took part which highlight the buzz of doing a mass participation event and also the fantastic job done by the organisers.

Shane Mitchell: "Yes managed a new PB fantastic atmosphere well done everyone that took part and thanks for the fantastic support from everyone cheering us on."

Sue Ann Colvill: "It was a fantastic run and experience... Loved it.... No fancy dress, ran for charity Cystic Fibrosis .. 2 hours- well pleased :-)"

Lawrence McDonald: "Just plain vest n shorts for me at the GNR, was a great day, brilliantly organised!"

Stuart Lee: "the best organised and best supported run in the uk. This was my 6th successive year and its a run you can never get bored of. Ran 1hr 37mins this year. Congrats to everyone who took part"

Jane Dew: "Love it- highlight of my racing year. PB this year so really chuffed. Drive home not so much fun tho!!"