Former PM is a surprise figure on race start line

Oct 6 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

FORMER prime minister Tony Blair joined a trio of Beijing gold medallists to sound the starting horn on the 28th Great North Run yesterday.

More than 52,000 people enjoyed glorious sunshine as they made their way around the 13.1-mile course.

Mr Blair was joined by the Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington, Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy and the Paralympian swimmer Ellie Simmons.

The ex-premier was a last-minute addition to the opening ceremony’s celebrity list and he congratulated race founder Brendan Foster on making the event a success.

He said: “Brendan has done the most amazing job and the Great North Run is now one of the big events worldwide. There are thousands of people running and I think they are going to raise about £10m for charity, which is utterly incredible.”

It is estimated the half-marathon participants will rake in an estimated £10m for local and national charities.

Cycling triple gold medallist Chris Hoy said: “I’ve never been here for the event, but it’s one of the things that I’ve always wanted to do. It’s one of the biggest events in the country and even the world. I really want to get involved, but I think I’m just going to be focusing on the 2012 Games.”

Meanwhile, Rebecca Adlington, double gold medallist in swimming, said: “My boyfriend lives in Newcastle, so I’ve been staying here every weekend for a while now. I love the city, and I think this race is amazing. There are so many people all running for great causes.”

Energy-boosting snacks, intensive warm-ups and digital watches were all on the agenda for runners on a rare sunlit day.

David Hart, Nova’s head of communications, said: “The weather conditions were perfect and the arrival of Tony Blair was exciting for everyone.

“There were seven Olympic medals between three athletes who started the race – it’s a reflection of the stature of the event that these people are here.

“This event has a real impact on the North. It shows off the region for all the right reasons.”

Brendan has done the most amazing job and the Great North Run is one of the big events worldwide