Inspiring Stories and Race Day Excitement.
Each of our dedicated Pacers has a unique and inspiring story to share. They are available for interviews to discuss their motivations for becoming a Pacer, the unparalleled experience of the Great North Run, and the vibrant atmosphere the North East community brings to the event. They are also eager to share their excitement for Race Day.
Sophie Reynolds, 30 from Newcastle pacing at 2 hrs 5 mins.
STORY SYNOPSIS: Sophie originally began running to lose weight. Between running her slowest Great North Run to her fastest - an hour quicker - she lost over 5 stones.
“When I started running I was quite overweight and kind of really struggling with life, and kind of in a dark place,” Sophie explains. “I wanted to challenge myself. And, if I'm honest, I absolutely hated it to start off with and found it really difficult.
My first Great North Run was super tough. I could barely run even 6 miles before the event and I really, really struggled. I remember getting to like mile 5 and finding it so hard I had to walk the rest of the way. I found the 3-hour pacer and I just stuck to her. She kept talking to me; kept asking me questions and helping me, giving me loads of advice, change this, maybe change. Because of that lady, I made it from the fifth mile to the end mile. If it hadn't been for this fab pacer I don't think I'd have finished the race. And I definitely wouldn't have gone back and done it 7 times more!”
The experience inspired Sophie to become a pacer herself. “I want to give back to the community that's given me so much. It's given me a new group of friends and a new purpose in life. And being fitter and losing all that weight has really made me feel much happier in myself.
Helping people get their PB's makes it all worthwhile! Every runner has a reason for running. Let’s face it, nobody willingly goes out running 13 miles without a reason! As a pacer it’s a real privilege to hear people’s back stories and what’s motivated them to take part. And it’s really humbling to help them achieve something they thought was unachievable.”
ITS A FAMILY THING
Sophie isn’t the only one in her family to tackle the epic 13.1 mile course. Her father completed 25 of them before finally hanging up his running shoes. Sophie intends to continue the legacy and beat his number. She has now done 8 Great North Runs, and this year will be her third as a Pacer!
SOPHIE’S TIPS FOR RUNNERS:
“Just go for it! You're gonna love it. It's a tough race but it’s the best race ever and there are so many people who are there to support you on the day. I tell my racers ‘don’t burst the boiler ‘, don't push too hard too early, just keep to the pace you’ve trained for and enjoy the crowd who are always brilliant; high-five that child; take a drink of that water, have a gel, have some fun. You can do it, enjoy every mile, it will make an amazing memory for life.”
