New faces for 2025
John Sutcliffe, 47 From Whitely Bay Pacing 2hr 15min
I wanted to Pace for the Great North Run as it was the first ever run I did back in 2004. From that point I got hooked. I am the Chair of Trustees for the North Shields Poly Athletics Club, a charity that focuses on improving people’s participation in sport, with nearly 1000 members and countless touch points in the community. At 45, I survived impending Heart Failure, with open heart surgery in 2023. This will be my first foray back to Half Marathon Running, back to the run that got me into it originally. If I can help others enjoy it as much as I do, they may keep doing it and perhaps become part of our really vibrant running community here in the North East or other parts of the UK.
Jess Heyworth, 35 From South Shields Pacing 2hrs 10min
This is my first race as a Great Run Pacer, I'm most looking forward to helping people reach their goals. I've gone from being an average runner to quite a competitive one, and that's partly with the help of friends and official pacers at events keeping me on track, so now it’s my turn to support the running community. I love encouraging fellow runners to reach their goals - I love the feeling on the finishing straight when I keep a steady pace and people whoosh past me in their sprint finish to reach their PB! I hope to help new GNR runners with the layout, course and strategy as well. Being local, I know it well. I'll bring a lot of enthusiasm and encouragement to the job, no matter if you're out for an enjoyable run or trying to achieve your PB. I'm in awe of those running for charity and doing amazing things, so I'd love to be a part of their journey. I love seeing female pacers as there aren't that many of us, so I hope to be approachable to everyone. Also as a BSL interpreter, I hope to be there for any Deaf runners who may have questions or want to run with me, I can communicate smoothly with them & help them enjoy the whole experience. ‘
Nathan, 30, From Northumberland Pacing 2hrs 10min
‘Although this will be my first time as a Pacer, I’m a really experienced long distance runner (having done several marathons and ultra marathons) . I'm hoping to use this knowledge to help runners pace a tricky route. The GNR atmosphere is unbeaten and I can’t wait to run it purely to help others on the day so they can enjoy the atmosphere and experience and I’ll keep them on track.
As a proud Geordie I know how iconic this race is and how proud we are to have it in the region. I’ve done it a few times and love the day. Last year I was on the sidelines cheering the runners on and now I can’t wait to be part of it all again. It’s epic!’
