North East-based train operator Lumo appeals for Great North Run good luck messages

The messages will be displayed on large digital screens at key points in the runner’s journey during race day on Sunday, September 8.

The Great North Run is no easy feat and with several members of its team running to raise money for various charities, Lumo is launching the campaign to enable family and friends to share messages of support with their loved ones taking part in the half marathon, helping to give them an extra motivation boost as they take on the 13.1-mile journey between Newcastle city centre and the finish line on South Shields seafront.

Lumo recently announced its own charity partner for 2024 as South Shields based The Charlie & Carter Foundation, which provides financial support to families of seriously ill children.

The innovative screens will be facilitated by North East-based outdoor advertising estate owner Smart Outdoor, part of the Smart Media Group, that is currently undergoing significant growth.

Locations of the screens include the Tyne Bridge, Whitemare Pool and South Shields.

In addition to the messages of support, Lumo is also collaborating with performing arts social enterprise, Side by Side Arts and The British Heart Foundation to support their annual charity cheer bus.

The bus will be located between mile 10 and 11 of the run, featuring a live choir and a team of supporters, to spur on runners as they take on the final stretch of the race.

Richard Salkeld, Head of Communications and Partnerships at Lumo, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be cheering on runners in this year’s Great North Run by teaming-up with other innovative North East organisations to celebrate everyone taking part in such a fun and interactive way.

“By enabling family and friends to share their personal messages of encouragement and support on big screens along the route, we can help to create an even greater sense of togetherness.

“We’re also excited to be helping provide a platform to encourage runners during the final stretch of the route thanks to more than 30 volunteers from Side by Side Arts in Gateshead who will be singing and cheering runners towards the finish line."

Read more: The full list of Great North Run closed roads across South Shields and South Tyneside in 2024

Lumo services are expected to be very popular this weekend as thousands of people head to the region from Edinburgh and London with the fully-electric train operator which is operating a full timetable.

Mark Clancey, Chief Commercial Officer of the Smart Media Group, said “It’s absolutely fantastic to work in partnership with the team at Lumo on such a positive and altruistic media campaign.

“The Great North Run is one of the most iconic events in the world and everyone in the region is very proud its based here in the North-East.

“The event raises a huge amount of money for many amazing charitable causes and providing those runners with good luck messages and recognition whilst on the run is an amazing gesture and one I’m sure the runners themselves will appreciated”.

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The Great North Run remains an iconic event, not just in the North East but across the UK, with more than 60,000 runners expected to take on the challenge this weekend.

Stuart Angus, Director of Side by Side Arts, said: “We are really excited to be working with Lumo and The British Heart Foundation to create a pop-up choir as runners reach the final stages of the Great North Run.

“It’s really important to be able to show support for those taking part by providing some song and cheer as they head towards the finish line.

“We’re really grateful to Lumo for helping make this happen.”

To get involved, send your message of support to [email protected] by 12pm on the September 6, 2024.