Soap stars, reality TV stars, comedians, athletes, and influencers are lacing up their trainers to join the infamous Newcastle to South Shields half marathon.
The AJ Bell Great North Run is just under two weeks away, and participants are busy making their last preparations and tapering their training ahead of the 43rd staging of the world’s biggest half marathon on Sunday, 8 September 2024. Joining the 60,000 participants are a host of famous faces from across the region, and up and down the UK.
Here are the celebs taking part in this year’s AJ Bell Great North Run:
Abbie Lynn
TV star.
Dr Alex George
A&E doctor, mental health ambassador, social media influencer, and Love Island S4 star will be running on behalf of Mitchum deodorant.
Anya Culling
Anya Culling is known for her spectacular career transformation from amateur runner in 2019 to a pro in 2022, going from a 4hr 34 marathon to a 2hr marathon.
Sara Davies
Sara Davies, known as TV’s Crafting Queen, will be running for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust Charity.
Sara Davies, said: “I’m really excited to be doing it! Doing the Great North Run last year was the start of me trying to get fit, so it felt like coming full circle doing it this year in the fittest form I’ve been in my whole life.
“I really want to be proud of my fitness journey and I want to be doing that wearing a County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust T-shirt. One thing I know is that the whole of the North East have got behind us. So, if I’m doing it, I want to be shouting from the rooftops about this brilliant charity!”
Aimee Fuller
Aimee Fuller is a 2x Team GB Olympic Snowboarder and will be joining us as a running reporter for Great North Run’s BBC One programme that is broadcast live on Sunday, 8 September from 10am to 2pm.
Steph Houghton
Steph Houghton is a former footballer, known as one of the best in the world and is running to support the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.
Steph said: “Training has been going well, tough at times but enjoying a challenge and something different from football and to enjoy the Great North Run experience for the first time as a runner after being inspired by watching the thousands of people do it for different causes over the last few years.
“My inspiration is my husband, Stephen Darby, who was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease 6 years ago. Me, my family and friends are running to ultimately support the foundation he set up 6 years ago the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.
“The foundation that he set up with his friend Chris Rimmer aims to raise awareness of MND, fund support for sufferers and their families and ultimately fund research for a cure! For us it important that we can do our bit to help in any way we can. We’re also doing this in memory in of Rob Burrows, who was a very close friend of ours and to let Lindsay and the family know we are with them always.”
Isabel Hodgins
Isabel Hodgins, Emmerdale star, playing Victoria Sugden since 2006.
Isabel said: “Training is going well. No two runs are the same, but I’ve got some decent mileage in my legs so I’m hoping they will get me through the race!
“I’m inspired by the event – to be a part of the biggest UK half marathon is reason enough to do it. After watching the Paris Olympics, I’m inspired by all the runners and I’m inspired by myself, and I want a better time than I got last year!”
Dr Hussain Al Zubaidi
Dr Hussain Al Zubadi is a UK GP, TV lifestyle doctor and coach who is also a long distance triathlete.
Chris Oliver
Chris Oliver is star of SAS: Who Dare Wins.
Diane Carson
2024 Season 2 of The Traitors.
Ross Carson
2024 Season 2 of The Traitors.
Evie Morrison
2024 Season 2 of The Traitors
Diane Carson, Evie Morrison and Ross Carson from this year’s popular psychological adventure competition, The Traitors, are looking forward to the Great North Run.
Diane Carson, said: “I started running at the age of 56 and quickly realised that it wasn’t just about physical health! Running is just as important for mental health. Running events provide such a buzz and an incredible sense of achievement.
“I heard that the Great North Run was an amazing event – known worldwide, with the most supportive, fun atmosphere! I managed to secure a place in last year’s event but then ended up being buried on national TV instead.
“This year, I don’t intend to let anything prevent me from taking part and I have the added bonus of running with my family (even if I’m running behind them all).”
Lee Ridley
Lee Ridley, disabled stand-up comedian known as ‘Lost Voice Guy’ is raising money for Smile for Life Children’s Charity.
Lee said: “I’m really looking forward to competing in the Great North Run again. Last year, the support was out of this world.
“It’s something that every Geordie should do at least once. I’m also delighted to have inspired some young people from the Smile for Life charity to take part in the run as well.
“It’s such a great feeling to have inspired other people, and I’m glad they have decided to take up the challenge as it’s such an inclusive and welcoming event.
“I think that these sorts of events should be open to anyone and everyone, so it’s nice to see more disabled young people being more active. It will help them both physically and mentally, which can only be a positive thing.”
Adele Roberts
DJ, presenter and runner sharing her journey with a stoma, and ambassador for Nissan, and Runna.
Fraser Franks
Former professional footballer forced to retire early due to rare heart condition and is running as British Heart Foundation’s ambassador.
Lloyd Martin
19-year-old runner with Down Syndrome who’s made history as the youngest person in his learning disability category to complete a marathon – his next challenge: the Great North Run on Sunday, 8 September 2024.
Emon Choudhury
A keen runner & fundraiser, and winner of Race Across The World S2.
Rendall Munroe
Rendall Munroe is a former boxer known as “The Boxing Binman” raising money for the Bodhi Hoges Foundation.
Gary Beadle
Reality tv star – Geordie Shore.
Sharon Gaffka
Love Island S7 star, podcast host, and ambassador for women’s issues – running for the Miscarriage Association.
Aaron Chalmers
Geordie Shore, a retired MMA fighter, and a professional boxer.
Jake Williamson
Jake Williamson is aiming to make a difference for LGBT+ in sport as a publicly gay footballer. Founder of BTND (Better the Next Day) run club.
Metro Mayors
Mayor of the North East, Kim McGuinness, was given the Great North Run number 1 run number by Sir Brendan Foster earlier this month, and Mayor Kim McGuinness will be running alongside Metro Mayors of the North:
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin
Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith
Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard
Sir Brendan Foster, Founder of the Great North Run and President of The Great Run Company, said: “We’re really excited that Kim McGuinness, the first ever Mayor of the North East of England, the first ever ‘Great North Mayor’ – is putting her running shoes on and joining us to run the Great North Run, and I’m honoured to be able to present Kim with the number 1 run number.
“The last person who wore the number 1 for Great North Run was Mo Farah, so she’s got a big act to follow but I know she’s been training hard, she is excited about the event, and we’re honoured to have her join us for the 43rd staging of the Great North Run on Sunday, 8 September.”
The AJ Bell Great North Run starts in Newcastle city centre and finishes 13.1 miles later in the coastal town of South Shields. The event is the world’s biggest half marathon, with many runners taking part to support worthy causes, raising an estimated £25 million pounds for charity.
The event will be shown Live on BBC One from 10am until 2pm. For more information click here.
