The Great North Run lived up to its reputation as the World’s biggest half marathon, with more than 60,000 runners taking part in the 2025 race.
The morning started with the usual mix of nerves and excitement, and a number of HARC athletes joined the throngs of runners gathering on the iconic Tyne Bridge ready for the challenge ahead.
Conditions were much better than in recent years – no torrential rain for 2025 – and the support on the course was amazing. Crowds lined the streets from the very beginning, blasting music, handing out sweets and cheering every step the runners took. A fly-past by the Red Arrows gave everyone an extra buzz of adrenaline!
HARCster, Rachel Hall, took on the GNR challenge for the first time. She said, “Running the Great North Run was an unforgettable experience – the atmosphere was electric, nothing like I’ve ever experienced before with the crowd’s support carrying me the entire distance. I had the privilege of running on behalf of Breast Cancer Now, raising funds for life-changing research and making every step worth the effort. My top moments were running across the Tyne Bridge, the Red Arrows displays and crossing that finish line with a huge smile on my face.”
All finishers received a lovely t-shirt and, following a blunder by the medal designers, an extra-special medal featuring Sunderland and the River Wear rather than Newcastle / South Shields and the Tyne!
Congratulations to all our HARC runners, and an extra well done to those running to raise funds and awareness for charities close to their hearts.





