Tony Britton, Fundraising and PR Manager, ME Association.
Everybody who wanted to be a somebody in this year’s cancelled Great North Run is being given a chance to reimagine the event on Sunday, September 13 – which would have been its 40th anniversary.
The bottom line
All entrants in this year's cancelled event can get a refund of their entry fee, less the £5 admin charge mentioned in the Terms and Conditions, or they can apply to enter the event next year, when the half marathon has been rearranged for 12 September 2021. There will be nothing extra to pay and no ballot to enter.
Two solo events this year
But two solo events have been arranged for people who want to help their charities this year and the ME Association would be all up for that. We’re still busy picking ourselves up from the floor after the collapse in income earlier this year because of the coronavirus crisis.
It’s still not too late to join in a series of 40 solo runs up until September 13, when entrants set the pace and distance they run daily. That’s a run for each year in the history of the Great North Run, which has been one of the greatest annual events in Britain’s sporting calendar.
Different medals for different folks
Different medals will be awarded for different total distances covered: bronze for 100 miles, silver for 200 miles and gold for 300 miles. Just send in the proof that you’ve run the distance when you claim your medal.
Entries for the 40 solo runs close on July 31 so don’t waste any more time if you do want to enter. Do it today.
Entry for the 40 solo runs will cost £10, with profits going to the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Urgent Appeal.
Choose your own route for the solo half-marathon
Or, for no entry fee, you can choose a route for your own solo 13.1-mile event on September 13. This event will be open to all runners, whether or not they had a place in this year’s event. The race organisers have still to decide whether a medal will be awarded for taking part in this free-entry event.
Entries for the half-marathon open on Monday August 3.
To enter either of the solo events taking place this year, please visit: The Great North Run Solo. It would be great to count on your support if you do enter any of the events being put on by the Great North Run team.
The ME Association
Please support our vital work
We are a national charity working hard to make the UK a better place for people whose lives have been devastated by an often-misunderstood neurological disease.
If you would like to support our efforts and ensure we are able to inform, support, advocate and invest in biomedical research, then please donate today.
Just click the image opposite or visit our JustGiving page for one-off donations or to establish a regular payment. You can even establish your own fundraising event.
Or why not join the ME Association as a member and be part of our growing community? For a monthly (or annual) subscription you will also receive ME Essential – quite simply the best M.E. magazine!
ME Association Registered Charity Number 801279