Great North 2007

I've seen that the GNR is coming up this weekend, but was wondering how to get a place. I don't really have the time to commit to doing the charity fundraising so is it possible to get a place by other means?

I did actually mean a place for 2007 , not a place for this weekend!

Hi First Timer

I am first timer this year, doing the 2006 GNR this Sunday!!!!

I managed to get a place to run this year by applying as an individual, although I chose to raise some funds for Cancer Research UK.

Log onto the Great North Run web site where you will be able to access details on how to apply.


Good luck in your application

Crumpy

How much do people have to raise for a charity? I'm not sure I could raise hundreds but I would love to do it next year.

If you accept a charity bond place in the GNR it is usually only a few hundred pounds as opposed to the minimum of £1000 you have to pledge for the FLM,and if you keep an eye on the great Run website in November/December you may be able to get a place and then run for a charity that you choose with no minimum pledge..

It's a bit less of strain then to raise the funds for ther GNR. I could probably manage to do around £400 but in xs of £1k would be a bit too much even for a popular soul like myself.

This is my next running goal - I am part of a relay team taking part in the jersey marathon on sunday, but the next step has to be a Half marathon. And Why not the biggest in the world!!!

How did you manage to get on then Angie B?

People often get put off by the idea of having to raise funds but it's actually a lot easier than you would think and a lot of fun into the bargain.
Even if you just want to do it a run on one occasion, you'll get a lot more enjoyment and satisfaction out of knowing all your effort is helping others.

Is the GNR a particularly difficult course in terms of being hilly, or is it a good one if you were attempting your first half-marathon? I wouldn't want to be put off for life by a real grueller.

How easy do people find the fundraising and what was their one main money earner when it came to raising funds?

Sponsorship from individuals was definitely the best. Just get some generous person to sponsor you first and then everyone else follows suit beause they don't want to be seen as less generous.

Hi all!!!!

well, i took part and completed the great north run this year and oh my god it was a fantastic day - one i will never forget.

I'll be honest i have always found running boring. Put me on a netball court, hocky pitch or basketball court and i could run around for days but just plain running never use to be for me UNTILL i decided to do the great north run ( which ive actually always wanted to do)

Anyway, i had trained hard the whole time even when i went travelling in Australia in May i still tried to keep up some fitness but no-one can really prepare you for the day.

the atmosphere is fantastic!! as for being up hill - they werent joking when they say its the hardest half marathon. its only in the last 12-13 mile when there is a downhill running and that lasts for about 20 seconds and its back up hill again but belive me when i say this: uphill running may put you off, i was in agony, the run pushed me to my limits, i was exhausted after but i can garuntee you one thing no matter how much pain i was in it hasnt stopped me wanting to do it again next year and ive now got the running bug!!!

honestly all i want to do is run ( im sure i wont be saying that when im training in the winter) if anyone wants any tips or advice then please do not hesitate in contacting me on beckstar@tinyworld.co.uk

id love to share my experience you

Becks

Suppose I'll have to get some hill training done then if I'm going to cope with GNR next year! Good to see that you've got the running bug though. I'm just getting started and finding that my lungs can't quite keep up with my legs at the moment.

Becks, I was very much like you. Loved running around playing football, tennis etc and always looked at runners thnking they are insane. Of course they all are, but I've joined the ranks in recent years when I never thought I'd ever do.
These days, if I go a few days without running I get moody and irritable.

There's quite a few charities out there and I have no particular preference to be honest which I decide to run for. How did others decide?

I will always run for the charity of which I am a trustee. So I suppose for me the question is why did I choose to get involved with that charity?

I have done a lot of charity work over the years and I became disillusioned with the amount of money that some charities spend on administration or waste on causes that don't achieve their goals. So I decided that rather than just giving money to charity, I wanted to be involved with how it was spent.

I chose an animal charity as I feel that humans can communicate and make a difference in this world, but that animals need someone to represent them. We abuse them in all sorts of ways, neglect and animal testing are two that spring to mind (although I am NOT an animal rights activist), and they can do nothing about it.

I joined a small local charity that was advertising for volunteers and started attending as many of their meetings as possible. That charity soon collapsed due to internal politics, so a group of us decided to start our our charity based on the same ideals as the first charity, but without the 'troublemakers'.

We have been going since 1998 and just get stronger each year!

In case any of you are wondering it is called ASAP and is based in Waterlooville in Hampshire. We do animal rescue and have approx 9 volunteers at the moment. Our annual turnover is about £60,000 and we curently work out of volunteer foster homes. We would like to get enough money to buy premises so that we can take in more animals and have a central location from which to operate. The foster homes would also like their space back at some point.

I suppose the more I think about it I should do something for Marie Curie since they did some sterling work in caring for my grandmother several years ago. I guess that would be a nice fitting tribute and a good fundraising cause.

Does anyone know what the time frame is for the GNR - like when do the forms become available (or is it online), is there closing date for entry, etc?

Does anyone know if its possible to arrange to have your own drinks left at the drinks stations around the course or is that just for the elite runners? I'd rather have my own specially prepared drinks but wouldn't want to carry them all the way round.