Inspired by Greatness: Adam Oliver – Man Club
The AJ Bell Great North Run has always been about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. It started back in 1981, when 12,264 pioneers forged the path from Newcastle to South Shields.
This year the class of 2024 will follow in the footsteps of 1.3 million before them, running the same infamous 13.1 mile route. Each runner inspired by someone, some cause, some moment. Each runner on their own road to greatness.
This year, we are celebrating being Inspired by Greatness as each runner brings their unique story and motivation, showcasing that greatness lies within us all. Explore the extraordinary experiences of the thousands of runners who join us at the start lines each year.
Veteran, Adam Oliver, Runs to Champion Men’s Mental Health
Adam Oliver, a 37 year old veteran from County Durham and founder of ‘Man Club’ is running the Great North Run this year to inspire any men struggling with their mental health to reach out for support.
Adam aims to provide support and remove the stigma associated with mental health for men. He said: “This will be my seventh time running the Great North Run. My inspiration this year is the hope that one person who’s struggling sees my T-shirt and reaches out for support.”
Adam has previously ran for various charities from Combat Stress, Down Syndrome North East, North of England Children’s Cancer Research, Bradley Lowery Foundation and Cash for Kids, this year he’d like to focus on raising awareness for men’s mental health.
“When I started Man Club, I just wanted to help people who are struggling, I was in a position close to taking my own life and I was lucky to have support from East Durham Veterans trust, I want people to know there’s support available and remove the stigma associated with mental health.”
Adam has been training for the 13.1 miles with his fellow Man Club members. He said: “Special mention to Ian from Man Club for joining me on many training runs, I’m really proud of him for what he’s accomplished.”
43 years on, the Great North Run has generated hundreds of millions of pounds in charity fundraising, witnessed some of the greatest road running performances of all time and this year was awarded the World Athletics Heritage Plaque for its contribution to the worldwide history and development of mass participation road running.
The award is so much more than the Great North Run; it’s about every runner, volunteer, charity, supporter, across every single year. It’s about the unwavering support of the people of the North East who get behind this event like no other and inspire the next generation.
The Great North Run will be broadcast live on BBC One on Sunday, 8 September from 10am to 2pm and around the world, showcasing the best of the region nationally and internationally.
For Great North Run 2025 ballot updates, sign up here. We will also provide you with useful running information and guidance, special offers, training advice, top tips, and exclusive Great Run Series event updates.
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