Great North Run 2023 success

On Sunday 10th September, we were delighted to be in Newcastle to join the 60,000 people who were taking part in the AJ Great North Run 2023.

Richard Whitehead chatting to our runners at the start area ahead of the run.

We were fortunate to have 24 runners taking part on behalf of the foundation, including six as part of the Supported Runner programme and many from our partner Nissan. The 18 charity runners raised an amazing £4000 between them for the foundation and we are very grateful to everyone who donated and especially to those that ran on our behalf. A special thanks and congratulations to Nissan’s John Parslow, Katie Parslow & Luke McMillan (below), who raised over £1,400 between them, a brilliant achievement!

There is still time to donate to celebrate and support their efforts here.

Left to right - Katie Parslow, Luke McMillan and John Parslow celebrate at the finish line.

Among our Supported Runner programme runners, we had a range of individuals, each of whom was taking part in the run for the first time. Those running included Mark Ellis (visually impaired), Louise Simpson (visually impaired), Michael Oliver (support runner for Mark), Jo Kilkenny (support runner for Louise), Kate Hatton (support runner), Michael Duffield (support runner) all took part alongside our founder Richard Whitehead MBE, whilst Debi Crouch (support runner volunteer) provided invaluable logistical support.

The run also marked the launch of our new Supported Runner programme in partnership with Nissan, for more information and how to register click here.

Left to right - Michael Oliver, Mark Ellis, Michael Duffield, Kate Hatton, Louise Simpson, Jo Kilkenny, Debi Crouch and Paul Brackley, at the start line ahead of the run.

All of the runners successfully completed the run, despite the challenging and changing weather conditions. Having started their runs in bright sunshine and near 30 degree heat, there were dark clouds gathering by the time many of them had crossed the finish line and the red arrows were showing off their incredible skills.

What followed was highly unexpected with nearly a month’s worth of rain falling in just 90 minutes, causing chaos at the finish area and with the metro trains meaning many runners had delays getting home but it didn’t affect anyone’s experience and everyone came away with smiles on their faces and keen to run again next year.

Richard Whitehead chatting to our runners at the finish.

Check out our gallery for more photo’s from the event.

Photo credit - Matt Fowler; Instagram: @mattfowlerphoto