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.”

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!

"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.”

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!

Great Run facts

🏃‍♂️ The Great North Run is the largest half marathon in the world. 

⏰ The first Great North Run was held in 1981 with 12,000 participants.

 🏁 The race was inspired by New Zealand's Round the Bays Race

⏱ The current course records are 58 minutes and 56 seconds for men, set by Martin Mathathi in 2011, and 1 hour, 4 minutes and 28 seconds for women, set by Mary Keitany in 2019

🎽 The Great North Run also includes junior and mini races that take place on the Newcastle Quayside the Saturday before the main race.

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SPORTS AND FITNESS ESSENTIALS

Get ready to meet our incredible Solgar Pacers for the AJ Bell Great Run! 🏃‍♂️