Durham Cricketers Take On Simplyhealth Great North Run

Durham cricketers Keaton Jennings, Chris Rushworth, Michael Richardson and Academy Director John Windows will all partake in this year’s Simplyhealth Great North Run.

A rare September break following Durham’s Specsavers County Championship against Kent at the beginning of next month has allowed Jennings, Rushworth and Richardson to take part in the largest half-marathon in the world for the first time.

They will be joined by DCCC Academy director, Windows who previously played for Durham and is responsible for unearthing cricket talent such as Ben Stokes, Mark Wood, Liam Plunkett and Mark Stoneman.

Keaton and John will both be participating for the Durham Cricket Foundation – the foundation uses its expertise and capacity to support communities to live healthier and happy lifestyles and inspire people to fulfil their potential through cricket.

Michael will be running in support of leading youth cricket and disability sports charity Lords Taverners, while Chris, who recently became an ambassador for the Great North Children’s Hospital, will be donning the charity’s light blue vest as he tackles the 13-miles from Newcastle to South Shields.

“This will be my first Great North Run and it’s great to finally get the chance to take part in such a special event,” Jennings said.

“We’ve got a little break in the fixtures this year and it gives us a chance to continue our fitness training during the season.

“It’s a great day for the city and I’m delighted to be able to raise funds for Durham’s foundation.”

Durham Foundation Manager, Josie Pointon, said: “It’s fantastic to have the support of the cricketers behind the charitable work that we do and to see them representing some of our partner charities also.

“The cricket players play an important part in raising the aspirations of our local community and to see them giving back to the game of cricket just showcases what positive role models they are for the young people of this region.

“It’s not often you see current professional sportsmen taking part in the run so we are delighted to have them represent the foundation, Great North Children’s Hospital and Lord Taverners.

“Credit to the boys for taking time out of their busy training schedules in order to take part in the race and commit to fundraise for these important causes.”