Last weekend, four members of Newport &B DIstrict Running Club made the trip northwards to take part in the great North Run, probably the most famous, and largest, half marathon in the world. Run as a point-to-point course, the Great North Run takes participants from the start in Newcastle-upon-Tyne to the finish on the seafront at South Shields, via Gateshead, Hedworth and Cleadon Park. Around 120 metres of climbing are encountered, but the course does have a net downhill profile.
Kay Wilkinson-Smith was the first Novaportan runner to finish, taking 9,032nd position in a time of 1 hour, 50 minutes, 32 seconds. John Metzger was next, running a time of 2:01:35 in 16,226nd place. Ollie Stokes was close behind, finishing 16,748th with his time of 2:02:28, whilst Liz Holbrook, running with her daughter, took 30,980th position with her time of 2:27:36.
Kay Wilkinson-Smith said afterwards: “Despite the rain, which started just as John Metzger & I crossed the line, the atmosphere & support was amazing. There were music bands of all sorts playing on roundabouts, at the side of the road etc to keep everyone entertained so you didn’t notice the miles passing by! Fellow runners were also very supportive.
It was a great weekend overall despite the weather & a race I’d do again if I got the chance. John & I were also lucky enough to get a photo with Brendan Foster before the start of the race. I, for one, am very thankful to all the supporters for coming out to support us to keep us going, especially in the weather conditions! It’s an iconic race I’ve wanted to do for years and now it’s ticked off my list so I’m very happy.”
Newport & District Running Club 