Great North Run Hosts Nearly 100 Runners for Percy Hedley Charity

The 2025 Great North Run, the world's most famous half marathon founded by Sir Brendan Foster in 1981, is set to host 60,000 runners this year, including nearly 100 supporting the Percy Hedley Foundation, a disability charity providing special education for children with complex learning difficulties. The event, which has grown significantly since its inception despite initial resistance from authorities, continues to be a vital cultural and sporting occasion for the North East, celebrated for its community spirit and inspiring personal stories. Laura More, a mother whose son benefits from Percy Hedley's specialist provision, highlights the transformative impact the school has had on her family, underscoring the broader social significance of the event's charitable participants. Sir Brendan Foster emphasizes that the Great North Run is a people's event, enriched by the diverse runners and volunteers who create an unmatched atmosphere and shared sense of accomplishment. Additionally, Harvard professor Daniel Lieberman, speaking ahead of the event, linked running and physical activity to evolutionary health benefits, advocating for movement as essential to human well-being. Overall, the Great North Run exemplifies a blend of athletic achievement, community involvement, and health awareness, making it a unique and cherished event in the UK sporting calendar.