How you can join the Big Pink Dress in getting over the finish line of this year's Great North Run

Colin Burgin-Plews will complete the half marathon route alone on Sunday, September 13 – the day the 40th anniversary of the event should have gone ahead.

The world-famous race, which sees tens of thousands of runners complete the 13.1 mile course from Newcastle city centre to South Shields seafront, was cancelled earlier this year due to the coronavirus crisis.

But now Colin is set to pound those pavements on his own in aid St Benedict’s Hospice and South Tyneside Kids and Young Adults Klub (KAYAKS).

And he wants to take those who should have been racing on the day over the line with him.

The Great No Race Dress, which is being designed especially for the occasion, will feature as many participants’ names as possible, with Colin asking for a minimum donation of £3 to be included.

“I was gutted to find out the race wasn’t going ahead this year for the first time in its history,” said Colin.

"I couldn’t let the day of the event go past without doing something and if I can still raise some funds for a couple of great local charities then all the better.”

Colin had initially hoped to include all 57,000 names of those who had secured a place in this years run.

He continued: “I wanted to be the only race in the country to get everyone over the line, but it wasn’t going to be possible, so I’ve settled for taking as many people as I can.”

Anthony McDermott, of St Benedicts Hospice commented: “In terms of income, the pandemic has had a massive impact on us, all of our fundraising events have been cancelled this year. Colin is a great ambassador for the North East and to have him raising funds and awareness for the hospice is a big win for us.

"We just want to thank him for all he has done for St Benedicts and wish him good luck on the day.”

To have your name on the Great No Race Dress donate here

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