The countdown is on to the Great North 10k which this year follows what Sir Brendan Foster has described as an 'amazing' new city centre route and former Newcastle United footballer Steve Harper is set to get the action under way.
The ex-player - the city team's longest-serving with a remarkable 20 years under his belt - will be switching sport to act as race starter at the popular run when it returns on July 2, with a new circuit which passes some city landmarks and partly follows in the footsteps of the Great North Run. Its founder Sir Brendan first revealed the changes in January at the same time as announcing a first partnership between two iconic Newcastle names.
The Great Run Company and Newcastle United Foundation - Newcastle United's charity arm - joined forces and together unveiled the new route for the Great North 10k which, instead of its previous quayside focus, will start at Central Motorway and see runners cross the Tyne Bridge then return over it to pass Grey's Monument, Newcastle Civic Centre, Central Library and Old Eldon Square before ending at the Town Moor. Sir Brendan said the 10k is "a fantastic opportunity for runners to interact with the city in a whole new way, enjoying our brilliant landmarks on closed roads, with lots of local support along the way".
Read more: First partnership between The Great Run Company and Newcastle United Foundation
There is still time to sign up to take part in the run as well as opportunities to fund-raise for the foundation, whose work includes using football to inspire and motivate local young people as well as help find them jobs. When Steve, who is now a trustee of the foundation and director of the Newcastle United Academy, fires the starting gun at the 10k the runners who are fund-raising for the foundation will be spotted wearing a special black and white-stripe run number in the club's colours.
Sir Brendan added: “The partnership with the Newcastle United Foundation gives participants the opportunity to fund-raise for a great local cause and we’re sure many other charities across the region will also see lots of support from the thousands of runners taking part.” Adding to the atmosphere of the run, which is being sponsored by AJ Bell, will be live bands and a new-look Après Run village at the finish line, complete with charity stalls, retailers, street food vendors and sports games plus even an interactive karaoke zone.
Anyone interested in taking part on July 2 can find more information and enter here.
