GNR founder supports new fitness drive
Mar 27 2008 by Jule Wilson, The Journal
ORGANISERS of one of the region’s biggest events have thrown their weight behind a £2m campaign encouraging Britons to get fit and stay healthy.
The Bupa Great North Run is just one of the many events highlighted in the Government-backed campaign The Great Activity Revolution launched yesterday.
Run founder Brendan Foster was in London for the launch of the campaign, which over the next four years will encourage mass participation in a range of easily accessible activities including running, swimming, cycling, walking, gym and dance.
Mr Foster said: "Inactivity is a ticking timebomb which puts the health of our entire nation under threat. The UK is less fit than it has ever been and when research shows our children have a shorter life expectancy than their parents, we simply have to do something.
"By encouraging people to enter mass participation events such as the Bupa Great North Run, they can have fun getting fit and also raise money for a number of our charity partners."
Mr Foster is now urging Journal readers to take to the streets over the next four years, whether by taking part in the Great North Run or any other event.
In conjunction with the campaign, an interactive website has been created to provide individuals with all the tools they need to find an event to enter, as well as all the preparation aids and expert advice needed to help them through their training.
For more information on the Great Activity Revolution, click here
You could be lucky winner
ANYONE who signs up for the Bupa Great North Run through the new campaign is eligible to enter The Journal’s exclusive competition to win a seat at the Bupa Great North Run Hall of Fame Charity Dinner.
The black-tie event, which will be held at Gateshead’s Hilton on April 7, will see six celebrities inducted into the Hall of Fame for their outstanding contribution to the success of the 13.1-mile road race over the past 26 years.
Three lucky participants in The Journal contest will be in attendance to see the star-studded ceremony, presented by BBC TV presenter Sue Barker.
And one of them will walk away with The Journal Your Great North Run Award trophy, presented on the night by editor Brian Aitken, for the most funny, touching or inspirational contribution to the race throughout its history.
Anyone who has ever participated in the event can put themselves forward by writing a testimonial in the form of a poem, song or simply a statement – or you can nominate someone else.
Submit your testimonial, which must not exceed 250 words, online at www.journallive.co.uk/run, email it to jule.wilson@ncjmedia.co.uk, or write to her at The Journal, ncjMedia Ltd, Groat Market, Newcastle NE1 1ED.
