The Great North Run was a special one this year for a couple of reasons;
• It was a family affair with myself, my sister Susan, her husband Stuart, her husbands brothers George and my little nephew William and niece Lucy all taking part.
• It marks the 10th anniversary of our dad passing away.
Saturday was the day of the Mini Great North Run. Susan and I were the accompanying adults to William and Lucy. The run took place on NewcastleGateshead quayside, taking advantage of the great bridges crossing over the tyne. It was a really fun run and I think the kids despite being "worn out" afterwards enjoyed it.
Sunday heralded big run day. The start was an emotional one for a lot of people as so many people are running for charities very dear to them. Since I got my place automatically I did not run for a charity but I did want to remember my dad on this day.
Every year The Red Arrows fly overhead to mark the beginning of The Great North Run, this year was extra special because as you all know last month Flt Lt Jon Egging lost his life when his jet crashed at the Bournemouth Air Festival.
The Red Arrows paid tribute to him by flying over the Tyne Bridge in the "missing man" formation at the event. His brave wife, Dr Emma Egging fired the starting pistol for the race and ran wearing the number 4 as her husband flew "Red 4". As always The Red Arrows were amazing.
The weather for the run was a mixture of sunshine and rain. I have to say the rain was a welcome break which as a sun lover is a strange admission. The hills were....hilly and with 54k+ people running the run was very busy. Nevertheless I managed to do it in 2 hours 10 mins which is 10 minutes better than when I did it 8 years ago.
Will I do it again next year? Maybe!
