On Sunday, eight Newport & District Running Club members made their way up north to take part in the 44th Great North run, and one of them, club chair Jo Lutner, sent us this report about her experience:

To experience the biggest half marathon in the world was a day I will never forget. The whole city is alive and there is a buzz in the air even before you are anywhere near the start line. All running for their own reasons, whether to raise money for different charities, or just to take part in this amazing race. 

(Left to right): Jo Lutner, Daniel Campbell-Miles, Liz Holbrook, Richard Bennett, Sarah Higginson, Liz Bennett in their GNR finishing t-shirts!

The course is an undulating route from land to sea. You run across Tyne Bridge, and if you are lucky, the red arrows fly over too. The finish line is at South Shields right by the sea. There was a head wind on the day, which made the race a little more challenging, but with the support from the crowd, which was unbelievable, you really do get the sense that the whole city has come out to support you. 

You can dig deep and battle on to the finish line. This race is a must for any runner and I would say it matches London for the atmosphere, support and how well it is organised.

A bit blurry, but Jo and Sarah were interviewed on TV!

Ashley Moore was the first NDRC finisher, crossing the line in 1 hour, 33 minutes, 10 seconds. Liz Bennett was next, in 1:47:13, followed by her husband Richard, who stopped the clock at 1:50:56. Daniel Campbell-Miles ran a time of 1:55:08, whilst Vance Heath clocked 2:06:09, just ahead of Jo Lutner, who finished with a time of 2:06:38. Sarah Higginson finished in 2:32:04, whilst Liz Holbrook’s time was 2:51:52.