Father and Son Fly Over 11,000 Miles to Run the Great North Run
The theme of this year’s AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great North Run is ‘Finding Your Superpower,’ and we’re celebrating some of the incredible young runners who embody this spirit.
These young athletes are not just participating in a race; they are discovering their inner strengths, pushing their limits, and showcasing their unique abilities.
The kids get their own chance to shine on ‘Super Saturday’ – a chance for them to experience a big event atmosphere, which is what our event is all about!
From New Zealand to Newcastle: Dad and son travels over 11,000-Mile to Share the Great North Run Experience Together
Anthony Bell, a 55-year-old dad from Durham who moved to New Zealand in 2015 is bringing his 4-year-old New Zealand born boy, Neihana Lay back to his hometown to experience running the AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great North Run.
Anthony himself has run the Great North Run over 20 times. But this year will be different as he is running with his son, Neihana who is very excited to be visiting the UK. “The Mini Great North Run allows me to see my Daddas hometown and raise money and awareness of a good cause that has affected so many of my grandparents’ friends.”
Neihana is raising funds for Dementia UK, he says he has no goals but is hoping for people to be kind and donate. Neihana has been running Toddler Triathlons in New Zealand. He says, “My Dadda is my inspiration as I like to do warmups with him, he has done over 20 Great North Runs and loads of 10ks in England, Scotland & Ireland before he moved to New Zealand.”
This year’s AJ Bell Junior and Mini Great North Run is SOLD OUT and set to be the biggest ever, with over 10,500 children ready to take part. If you want to be part of the excitement next year, sign up here to be notified when 2025 entries open.
We can’t wait to see you all on the start line, dressed in your best fancy dress and ready to find your superpower!
Related Articles
1/11
What to Expect at this year’s AJ Bell Great South Run
The AJ Bell Great South Run weekend is back for another spectacular celebration of running.
Top British Athletes to Battle it Out at the AJ Bell Great South Run
The stage is set for another thrilling race at the AJ Bell Great South Run with a high calibre British field assembled once again for the iconic 10-mile event.
Power of Running: Phil Pollard
At 82 years and six months, Phil Pollard, from Alverstoke, Hampshire, is still passionate about running.
Power of Running: Stephen Hore
Stephen Hore, 41, from Southbourne/Emsworth, is gearing up to run the Great South Run for the first time this year,
Power of Running: Michelle Stone
Michelle Stone, soon to be 47, will be celebrating her birthday in a special way this year – by taking part in the Great South Run.
Power of Running: Gerard Beauvoisin
At 64 years old, Gerard Beauvoisin, from North End, Portsmouth, has been running for nearly four decades.
Team Kerr Takes on AJ Bell Great South Run
Team Kerr, from County Down, Northern Ireland, is taking on the AJ Bell Great South Run on Sunday 20 October.
Hoyle Family Takes on Junior & Mini Challenge
The Hoyle family is excited to participate in this year’s AJ Bell Junior & Mini Great South Run.
Runners, Ready? Gladiators to Host Junior & Mini Great Scottish Run
Runners, ready? It’s official, stars of the BBC’s Gladiators, Sabre & Apollo, will be joining the fun this Saturday 5 October.
Official Starters Confirmed for AJ Bell Great Scottish Run
Scotland Internationalists and Glasgow Warriors teammates Duncan Weir & Kyle Steyn will ring the official start bell at the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run.
NF1 Super Warriors Conall and Kayden’s Race to Race Awareness
It’s a full weekend of running at this year’s AJ Bell Great Scottish Run for Mum Kirsty and sons Conall 8 and Kayden 4.
