Personal trauma was spur for Kevin

May 14 2008 by Jule Wilson, The Journal

THE stress of a divorce two and a half years ago led one man to take up running, and now he loves it so much, he is hoping to take part in the Bupa Great North Run.

The Journal has secured the final 200 slots in the famous race exclusively for our readers, and Kevin Blyth is hoping he will be one of those lucky few so he can mark his 50th birthday with a challenge he will never forget.

The pipe fitter, of St Luke’s Road, Pennywell, Sunderland, explained: “I didn’t start running again until October 2006, although I had been a fairly keen runner in my teens.

“I took it up when I split with my wife because it was my way of dealing with the tension and emotional strain.

“I found that very stressful and running kept me sane, but now I really have got the bit between my teeth. I’ve become quite competitive.” Kevin, who has found love again with Gillian Royal, 42, also from Sunderland, has become a member of his local running club the Sunderland Strollers and regularly competes in local races.

But he also loves to challenge himself by taking part in long-distance events and most recently crossed the finish line following the London Marathon in less than three hours.

Kevin continued: “But in last year’s Great North Run I felt I did poorly, crossing the line in 1hr 24 min.

“This year the race is just 10 days before my 50th birthday, and I feel it is a milestone year for me because I’ve got a new lease of life.

“I missed this year’s deadline for entry into the ballot because I was working away and I was really disappointed, so it would mean a lot if I was accepted to take one of the 200 places on offer through The Journal.”

Kevin is hoping he can break his previous record and complete the 13.1-mile event in just one hour and 20 minutes or less.

He said: “This would be the ideal birthday present for me.

“I feel because the dates are so close it is meant to be, and taking part in the race would make my birthday really extra special.

“Last year I got carried away with the crowd and started far too fast, and it would mean a great deal to me.

“Before I started running, I feel I was just plodding through life but now I’m enjoying life and keeping fit and looking for new experiences all the time.”

Details

YOU too can apply for one of The Journal’s 200 places in the Bupa Great North Run, which this year takes place on October 5. All you have to do to enter is log on to our website.

If you are over 17, you are eligible to enter.

Tell us in less than 250 words why you deserve a place in this year’s race. Just visit www.journallive.co.uk/run.

An adult place costs £40 with a concessionary rate of £36 if you’re over 65 and you have until June 3 to apply.