Local Olympic Hero Kieran Reilly Named Official Starter of the AJ Bell Great North Run
Gateshead born and raised, and now Paris 2024 Olympic Silver Medallist, Kieran Reilly, has been named as the official honorary starter of the 2024 AJ Bell Great North Run taking place on Sunday 8 September.
Kieran, whose spectacular tricks and skills on the BMX in Paris secured him a stunning spot on the podium, will take to the iconic starters platform on Sunday morning to set 60,000 runners on their way at the 43rd staging of the world famous half marathon.
Sir Brendan Foster, Founder of the Great North Run and President of The Great Run Company, said: “The nation came together this summer to cheer on Team GB at the Olympics, and one of the stars of the show was a lad from Gateshead, Kieran Reilly, whose display on the BMX was just thrilling.”
“Kieran’s career started on a skatepark along the Great North Run route, and he has now returned to the North East an Olympic silver medallist. It’s very fitting for us to ask Kieran to come and start this year’s Great North Run, and for everyone from the region to celebrate his success….and I think he’s got a little plan on how he might announce his arrival so keep your eyes peeled.”
Kieran added: “The Great North Run has a place my heart. My dad has run it numerous times and my Mam is running it this year too. I had hoped to run myself this year but I’ve been a little busy, but hopefully next year. Being asked to start the race is a real honour, to be alongside so many local heroes who have done this before is something I never expected to come into my life. It’s just huge!”
Kieran joins a long list of North East heroes who have performed official starting duties at the Great North Run including; Sting, Ant and Dec, Sir Bobby Robson, Alan Shearer, Eddie Howe, and Jill Scott, as well as fellow Olympians Sir Chris Hoy and Jonathan Edwards.
Ahead of the weekend and in response to huge interest already for places into the 2025 Great North Run, a new September Ballot has opened this week. Eager participants have until Friday 13th September 2024 at 12pm to register. For your chance to be on that iconic start line, click here to sign up now. A second chance to apply will follow in January for those unsuccessful in the ballot this time around.
The 2024 AJ Bell Great North Run will be broadcast live on BBC One from 10am to 2pm. For the full 2024 timetable and event guide, click here.
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.
