The people's race where everyone is a winner

THE Great North Run weekend of sport got off to a sunny start yesterday morning at a special event attended by professional athletes, inspiring first-timers and race founder Sir Brendan Foster.

- BARBARA HODGSON

In the buildup to the big event, the group gathered in Newcastle at the rooftop restaurant of Fenwick, which has this year’s medal and T-shirt on display in its famous front window.

Kicking off the all-action weekend action was a 5k last night to be followed by the junior and mini Great North's children’s events on the quayside today. And then 60,000 people will be pouring into the city tomorrow morning for the start of the 13.1-mile run that will be screened live around the world.

"We've just heard that the event is going to be televised in 200 countries," said Sir Brendan. "It's the region’s event - the people’s event," he added.

"It’s the stage that we provide as best we can then the actors come on stage - some of Shakespearean proportions! - and some dressed up. All of them are here, contributing to that atmosphere.”

It's an event unlike any other so it is hard to quantify, he says, as it's made up of so many parts. “There are some fantastic stories around and lots we don’t even know about.”

And thousands of others, besides the runners, also come together to make it what it is, including the council, police and volunteers who all contribute to the day.

He explains it's not like sports where one winner at the end comes off the court or pitch holding a cup above their heads. “At an event like this they 're all going to win.