Great North Run is on the road to India

Dec 29 2008 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

THE Great North Run is set to go global as the world’s biggest half marathon touches down in India.

Organisers are so impressed with the international reputation of the North East franchise that more events are set to be staged world- wide.

And next year’s challenge from Newcastle to South Shields, on Sunday, September 20, is set to be streamed live online.

It comes just weeks after the success of the first Great Australian Run in Melbourne where thousands lined the start line for the 15km race.

The first Great North Run set off from Newcastle to South Shields in 1981 covering 13.1 miles. Last year more than 50,000 people took part in the challenge.

In 2001 the organisers from Nova International took the famous brand to Africa and staged the first Great Ethiopian Run, a 10km race in capital Addis Ababa.

It was there that marathon runner Tsegay Kebede, last year’s Great North Run winner, left his home village for the first time to take part in the event and score victory.

David Hart, from Nova International, said: “Following the successful Great Australian Run, which is sure to be here to stay, we want to continue expanding the Great Run brand.

“We see that as being a possibility in years to come, not just to limit ourselves to India but look to other countries as well.

“We are very excited about the reaction we got in Australia, it was described as the highest quality running event in the country.

“It’s exciting times for Nova. The challenge now is to make next year’s Great North Run the best yet.”