Stars Turn Out For The Biggest Ever 2024 AJ Bell Great North Run
The cast of the Traitors, Dragon’s Den star, Sara Davies and Olympian Aimee Fuller were among the famous faces who joined a record number of runners on the start line of the 2024 AJ Bell Great North Run.
Tens of thousands of runners completed the famous 13.1 mile course from Newcastle South Shields, with each of the 60,000 runners inspired by someone close to their heart, a worthy cause or a personal goal contributing to around £25million raised for charity.
Other recognizable faces running shoulder to shoulder with runners included DJ Adele Roberts, Dr Alex George, former footballers Steph Houghton and Fraser Franks, SAS Who Dares Win’s Chris Oliver and reality stars Gaz Beadle and Abbie Lynn, all cheered on by thousands of spectators who braved the weather to show their support roadside.
Founder and President of the Great North Run Sir Brendan Foster said:
“I want to say a huge thanks to all the stars who took part yesterday. They’re support and participation is not only greatly received by us as organizers but also the many charities they support. The awareness their involvement creates help generates thousands of pounds which these worthy causes can use to support others. The Great North Run brings everyone together and shows how running can help change lives in many ways.”
The event also saw the world famous elite road races where Kenya claimed doubled success with Abel Kipchumba winning the men’s race in a time of 59:52 and Mary Ngugu- Cooper being the first woman to emerge victorious in a time of 1:07:40.
Britain’s Marc Scott, rounded off a good weekend which saw him win the UK Athletics 5K Road running Championships to claim second place in a time of 1:01:11 whilst Eilish Mccolgan placed fifth in a tough race for the finish line (time 1:07:45).
It was double success for Great Britain in the wheelchair races with Jade Hall, competing in her first half marathon since giving birth in March, winning the women’s wheelchair race in a time of 58:56, whilst Johnboy Smith was victorious in the men’s wheelchair in 48:59.
A minutes applause was also held for campaigner and fundraiser Claire Lomas, before official race starter, Paris 2024 Olympic Silver Medallist, Kieran Reilly set runners on their way. Claire Lomas, a legend of the Great North Run, sadly passed away in August.
Those inspired to take part in the 2025 Great North Run can enter the new September Ballot which is open until Friday 13th September 2024 at 12pm. For your chance to be on that iconic start line – Sign up now at greatrun.org/north. A second chance to apply will follow in January for those unsuccessful in the ballot this time around.
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