Heart attack no bar for ever-present GNR fan

MEET the man who has taken part in every Great North Run despite suffering a heart attack after completing the half marathon in 2022.

- By NICOLE GOODWIN

Michael Gowland is part of a group of 72 incredible runners who have completed every Great North Run since it began in 1981.

And although he had to have four stents fitted about six weeks before taking part in last year’s annual run, he is now preparing to take part in his 44th GNR. And this time he is raising money for the hospitals which treated him and helped him return to the race he loves.

Michael, from Cullercoats, said: “It’s just an amazing event to take part in. You can’t beat that feeling of running over the Tyne Bridge and seeing the Red Arrows flying above it, and the crowds that still come out in their thousands even after 40-odd years.

“That feeling you get when you run under the bypass and people shout ‘oggy oggy oggy’. Even after all these years that doesn’t wear off.

“It’s still as exciting as it was all those years ago and it’s a great event for the region.”

It was a work colleague who encouraged Michael, who has now retired, to sign up for the first Great North Run in 1981. But after his application was accepted, he forgot about the event and was lucky not to miss the big day, having only returned from holiday days earlier.