The long trip to Newcastle to compete in the Great North Run was certainly worth it for six members of Great Yarmouth Road Runners.
The team was rewarded with a welcome like no other as they lined up at the start of the biggest half marathon in the world.
With 57,000 entrants the organisation of this event is world class. The 13.1 miles race from Newcastle to South Shields was officially started by Brendan Foster.
With Mo Farah and the elites heading the pack the runners set off in pursuit of glory as they headed towards the most iconic landmark in the race — the Tyne Bridge.
The Red Arrows provide an aerial spectacle as they flew over the Tyne in support of the thousands of runners below.
The course is neither flat nor hilly but rather a continuous set of long inclines that can interrupt the runner’s rhythm. The weather was excellent. It was mainly overcast and although the sun broke through at times it never got too hot, with temperatures around 14 degrees.
The cheers from the northern crowds were continuous along the route and taking in the atmosphere of the event was first timer Andrew Dormer. He ran the race of his life, enjoying every minute of it. His comment at the end was that “it had all been over too quickly”. This is true for Andrew because he secured a staggering personal best by eight minutes to finish in 1.28.52.
The next three runners home were all veterans at this race. Clocking up 18 Great North Runs between them were Marc Evans, Terry Hubbard and Penny Studley. Terry had a superb run, getting a personal best with Penny also running her fastest time for this course.
Gary Pillar was also a first timer and had a strong run to finish in just under 1.40. Congratulations to Michelle Scott who also worked hard to secure a personal best by over five minutes.
Such was the sheer jubilation on Andrew Dormer’s face as he crossed the finish line that the Great Run series team chose his photo for their advertising e-mails to entice people to get involved for next year which made the event even more special for him.
Full Great Yarmouth Road Runners results: Andrew Dormer 1.28.52 (pb), Marc Evans 1.33.14, Terry Hubbard 1.35.46 (pb), Penny Studley 1.38.13, Gary Pillar 1.39.34, Michelle Scott 2.03.01 (pb).
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