High fives and high jinks for youngsters

Sep 21 2009 by The Journal

FAMILIES flocked to the Quayside in Newcastle and Gateshead on Saturday to support youngsters competing in the Mini and Junior Great North Runs.

Television stars and famous athletes joined them in the glorious sunshine.

Former world hurdles champion Colin Jackson started proceedings alongside young Emmerdale actress Eden Taylor-Draper.

Colin said: “The North East is a great area for athletics. I used to really enjoy racing here and it’s great to see so many people here today.”

Former Great North Run winner Sonia O’Sullivan was also there to run alongside daughter Sophie, 7, who finished second in the girls’ Mini Run.

Proud mum Sonia said: “At this rate, we may be back again next year. I love it here, it’s a really nice city.”

Thousands of children aged between three and 16 competed in a range of age categories, helping to contribute to the day’s enormous success.

Adam Todhunter, 11, from Haydon Bridge, said: “I enjoyed it – I finished with Sonia O’ Sullivan and Andy from Blue Peter. Sonia only beat me by half-a-metre and I high-fived Andy.”

Adam’s PE teacher dad Derek, 50, said: “I love to see kids being active and healthy. They also gain a great sense of achievement, with smiles all over their faces.”

The junior runners’ efforts have helped to raise thousands of pounds for numerous worthy causes.

Coronation Street actress Vicky Binns, who plays Molly in the soap, was there with fellow members of the “Banana Army”. The yellow-clad team of runners were raising money for Leukaemia Research, the official charity of the Great North Run.

She said: “It’s great to be able to use the power of being recognised for a positive reason.”

The Banana Army had 700 runners in the junior events that, between them, raised over £30,000.

Leukaemia Research chief executive Cathy Gilman, 46, said: “It’s children raising money for children so it’s really nice. Leukaemia used to be a death sentence for children, but now, because of the researchers, there is an 87% chance of survival.”

Cathy’s sister Sally, a French teacher at Heaton Manor School in Newcastle, brought over 100 pupils along to the event and said: “We raised a fortune. It’s great for the city and great for the school.”

Page 2: Junior Run Results