This will be the third year that I will have taken part in the epic Great North Run and I’m super excited, again!

I was undecided about whether to run again this year, thinking that I’d see if I fancied a different half marathon some place else, but who am I kidding. The GNR is one of the best experiences you can get as a runner, especially a newbie like I was/am… am I still a newbie? I’ve been running for a few years now, but only in the last year have I been contemplating beefing my distance up to see if I might take on a marathon, does that move me on from newbie to intermediate?

Imagine that though, me, in a marathon. Beggars belief really. From where I started, just looking at ways to deal with my grief back in 2021, a reason to leave the house, to somehow take myself away from darkness that engulfed every moment of my day, a reason to put one foot in front of the other, to today, where there is light in my life and a run means something different. Now it’s a challenge to my body, to my mental stamina, a way of reminding myself that I can keep going, “one foot in front of the other”.

I regularly run half marathon distances these days, so the nervousness I had for the very first Great North Run, isn’t as heightened. It means I can really look forward to the day. From what to have for breakfast and timing coffee and water intake, to the walk up Claremont Road and onto the start line to join the massive, massive crowds of runners as we all wait patiently and excitedly to begin. Last year there were around 60,000 runners! The lofty decision of whether to visit the portaloo before you take your place within the masses. Last year did make me giggle, as there were many runners who had waited so long in the starting pens that as soon as they got over the start line, they made a beeline for the loos that were strategically placed for that very occurrence!

Did I mention the fly over by the Red Arrows at the start?

The energy from the runners, especially the first 5kms is something to behold, the oggy, oggy, oggys shouted out as you run under the bridges on the lead up the iconic Tyne Bridge, that’s a special moment that, and the masses of spectators that line the way pretty much from start to finish, cheering everyone on!

Be mindful with the water stations, people slow right down here, sometimes just stopping abruptly in front of you, there can also be rogue water bottles on the ground, so keep your wits about you so you don’t injure yourself.

You’ll find it hard not to smile widely at the variety of fancy dress participants and marvel at how many are managing to run in full costumes without passing out with heat exhaustion!

The whole run is pretty memorable, but, that last mile, coming off Prince Edward Road and onto the Coast Road that’s lined on both sides with supporters, it takes it to another level. Everything you trained for, the excitement, the anticipation of the day, it all comes to the fore as you get a glimpse of the finishing line, and if you’re lucky you can even catch sight of the Red Arrows air display over South Shields, what a way to seal your Great North Run experience.

There’s a great entertainment area after the finish line, food, drinks, catching up with people and lots of selfies being taken!

Oooh top tip for everyone who has family or friends coming to support them at the finishing line, make a plan. Have a meeting place already agreed, because there is pretty much zero access to the internet/phone signal after the race for hours around the finishing line area. So don’t get caught out, arrange your meet up point before you go.

Just writing about it now is making me smile with the memories of previous runs. The emotions you feel, especially if it’s your first time around. That incredible buzz of achievement as you cross the finishing line and receive your medal. Not knowing whether to laugh, cry or lie on the ground and get your breath back (not sure if it’s everyone’s thing, but a sprint finish for your finishing line photo is surely mandatory!).

The ballot places have been allocated now, but if you do still want to be a part of the Great North Run 2024, then remember you can always see if you can run for one of your favourite charities as many will have places available, as long as you can raise a minimum amount of sponsorship money.

This year, I’ve decided to run for Happy Days Children Charity. I thought long and hard about who I wanted to run for this year and this amazing charity just spoke to my heart, so I am chuffed to bits that I can be part of their 2024 team. The charity organises and funds special days out for children in the UK living with mental, physical and emotional difficulties, such as trips to outdoor activity centres, the seaside, sporting events, theatres, museums and other educational and cultural activities.

This year is made even more special (as if possible) by the addition of my wonderful friend Julie who has a confirmed ballot slot!

Any kind donations can be made on my Just Giving page.