Virtual Great North Run: Runners keep GNR spirit alive as South Shields mourns 2020 event

Fitness fans have been keeping the spirit of the Great North Run alive by recreating their own versions of the half marathon event.
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The 40th GNR was due to take place between the Newcastle and South Shields on Sunday, September 13, until coronavirus put paid to the 2020 event.

Instead the organisers created a different running experience with a virtual event via a smartphone app, using crowd sounds, motivational messages and distance updates for athletes so they could complete their own 13.1-mile races.

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The virtual race was free to enter, open to everyone and could be done anywhere in the world.

Some of the runners out taking part in the Virtual Great North RunSome of the runners out taking part in the Virtual Great North Run
Some of the runners out taking part in the Virtual Great North Run

Organisers had stressed runners could not complete the actual route, due to a lack of road closures and the need for social distancing.

So runners started from a variety of places and invented their own courses, with some still deciding they wanted to incorporate the South Shields coast.

Among them was intensive care nurse Keith Nelson, 44.

“I started at the Wearmouth Bridge and ran all the way along the coast. I made it to the Groyne and realised I was a couple of miles short. So I had to double back a couple of times along the seafront to make up the mileage,” he said.

Fay Carter, left, and co-runner Vikki Wiltshire began and ended their virtual Great North Run in their home town of South Shields.Fay Carter, left, and co-runner Vikki Wiltshire began and ended their virtual Great North Run in their home town of South Shields.
Fay Carter, left, and co-runner Vikki Wiltshire began and ended their virtual Great North Run in their home town of South Shields.

“I think this is my 10th Great North Run.

"I’m getting a couple of minutes slower every year!

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“It was strange. It was quite nice and there was still some of the Great North Run atmosphere with people shouting encouragement.

“It was quite sad and quite surreal in a way, but we were making the best of what it was.”

Chris Leach was among those who ended the half marathon on the South Shields coast.Chris Leach was among those who ended the half marathon on the South Shields coast.
Chris Leach was among those who ended the half marathon on the South Shields coast.

Architectural assistant Chris Leach, 39, said: “We started at Little Haven, then along to the Bungalow Cafe in Roker and back.

“I thought this was a better course. Obviously the atmosphere wasn’t the same.”

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Fay Carter, 35, from South Shields, ran with her friend Mel Rogers, despite a foot injury.

Fay said: “I enjoyed it, although my foot exploded! It felt like it anyway. But I liked the fact that people were still cheering you on. I did the same time as last year. I’ll be back next year.”

Intensive care nurse Keith Nelson started in Sunderland and finished in South Shields in an improvised 13.1 miles.Intensive care nurse Keith Nelson started in Sunderland and finished in South Shields in an improvised 13.1 miles.
Intensive care nurse Keith Nelson started in Sunderland and finished in South Shields in an improvised 13.1 miles.

Vikki Wiltshire, 32, who is also from the town said: “I did enjoy it, but I missed the crowds. It was still nice to see people, a lot of them were still out clapping.”

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