GREAT NORTH RUN IS OFTEN A CHARITY'S BIGGEST FUNDRAISER

EVERY year the sight of thousands of people, of all ages and abilities, taking part in the Great North Run inspires others.

- By BARBARA HODGSON

The spectacle which is covered live on TV and watched by viewers worldwide - is always uplifting, particularly when individual stories are shared of charity fundraising and personal achievement.

So it is no surprise that each September many people will make up their minds to ‘do it next year.

Among the 60,000 runners in the famous Newcastle to South Shields half-marathon on September 7 will be another round of newcomers.

Some may have little previous experience of running but want to challenge themselves while others will have set themselves a special goal to help out a good cause.

Meanwhile the regulars, who just love the event and have their own way of handling the 13.1-mile course, already know the wonderful feeling and sense of achievement.

That moment is unforgettable and everyone who completes the Great North Run, no matter what time they set, deserves all the congratulations that pour in at the finish line.