Race report by Jo:
Great North Run Success for Lostock AC Duo
Jo and Chris take on the world’s biggest half marathon
Two dedicated members of Lostock Athletics Club, Jo and Chris, proudly represented their club at the 2025 AJ Bell Great North Run on Sunday, September 7th — one of the UK’s most prestigious running events.
Over 60,000 runners took part in this year’s race, which follows the iconic 13.1-mile route from the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne to the coastline at South Shields. The event, first established in 1981, is renowned for its incredible atmosphere, crowd support, and the spectacular Red Arrows flyover at the start line.
The race began on the central motorway in Newcastle, with runners crossing the Tyne Bridge early in the route — a highlight for many. From there, the course wound through Gateshead and the surrounding areas, with enthusiastic spectators lining every mile. Live music, charity cheer zones, and hundreds of volunteers kept spirits high before runners made their final approach along The Leas coastal road, finishing near the picturesque sands of South Shields.
Jo put in an outstanding performance, finishing in 1:47:28, a time that reflects both her dedication to training and her strong pacing over a challenging, undulating course. Not far behind, Chris crossed the line in 1:58:11, breaking the two-hour barrier — a fantastic achievement in such a large-scale event.
Both runners spoke highly of the race-day experience, highlighting the energy of the crowds and the buzz of running alongside tens of thousands of participants from across the UK and beyond.
This year’s race once again showcased the unifying power of running, with participants of all ages and abilities raising millions of pounds for charity.
