We have 200 GNR places to give away

Apr 30 2008 by Jule Wilson, The Journal

DID you miss out on a place in this year’s Great North Run? The Journal has the final 200 places in the race - and they are on offer exclusively to our readers.

The world’s biggest half-marathon takes place on October 5 and organisers at Nova International set aside the final numbers at the start line for us after a record number of people applied to participate this year.

We have run similar partnerships in the past with Nova, and many readers who missed out on a ballot place this time round have already been in touch about the offer – which starts today.

Race founder and Great North Run chairman Brendan Foster said yesterday: “We had requests for places from around 100,000 people, and just over half were selected, leaving many people disappointed.

“But The Journal has been a supporter of the Bupa Great North Run from the very start of the event’s existence in 1981.

“And while the run has changed in so may ways over the years, there are a few things that will never change – It’s a half marathon, the participants will always go over the Tyne Bridge, and The Journal newspaper is at the absolute heart of the event.”

Earlier this year, Cramlington resident Leanne Symonds, 32, became the millionth participant in the 13.1-mile run – to be in with the chance of joining her by grabbing one of the last spots, all you need to do is tell us why you feel you deserve a place.

Each of the 200 people selected will receive automatic entry into the Race Within A Race – they will compete against one another with prizes for the leading male and female competitor who cross the finish line first on the day.

One lucky runner among the 200 will also win two invitations to the hospitality tent on the big day.

Journal Editor Brian Aitken said: “We are pleased to be able to offer this wonderful opportunity to our readers, as we know many of you may have missed out on a place this year.

“This means that if anyone has been unable to get a charity place – or has just decided they want to challenge themselves by taking part – they have one last chance to be a part of this inspirational fundraiser.”

We will accept entries until the end of June 3, after which the top 200 will be selected.

How to enter

TO apply for one of the final 200 places in the Great North Run, tell us why you deserve one, in less than 250 words, on our online form, available by clicking here