The Prime Minister, who is making a charity contribution from his own salary, has taken part in the world-famous run before – finishing with an impressive time of 1:55:24 – before heading to the pub
PM Andy Burnham is taking part in the Great North Run(Image: Getty Images)
Andy Burnham has become the first serving Prime Minister to take part in the world’s greatest half marathon – The Great North Run.
The event is celebrating its 45th anniversary with its biggest-ever field of 63,000 competitors. Organisers estimate it has raised more than £450m for good causes since 1981, and that figure is likely to reach to half a billion pounds in the next two years.
The event already holds the world record from 2014 as the biggest half marathon in history, when 41,615 crossed the finishing line; it will set a new record this year.
The PM has take part in the run before – finishing with impressive time 1:55:24 two years ago, before heading to the a pub, wearing his medal, for a well deserved post-race pint.
He is raising money for Changing Lives, which supports over 14,000 people each year facing the challenges of homelessness.
The PM wrote on his fundraising page: “I’m running the 45th Great North Run for Changing Lives because I’ve seen the difference they make with my own eyes.
“A few weeks back I visited Alex’s Place in Newcastle to launch our drive to offer everyone a route off the streets by Christmas. I sat down with residents over a cup of tea and heard what it actually takes to rebuild a life once you’ve lost everything – not just a roof, but people who stick with you while you find your feet again.
“That’s what Changing Lives does. Tackling homelessness is a moral mission for me. It’s why I promised to end rough sleeping on my first day as PM, and why I’m proud to pull on a Changing Lives shirt today. If you can spare a few quid, please chip in and support them.”
The PM has already announced he will give away 15% of his salary as to homeless charities after pledging to end rough sleeping.
First staged in June 1981, the race was founded by ex-athlete Sir Brendan Foster, 78, after he was inspired by taking part in New Zealand’s Round the Bays Race in 1979.
Sir Brendan said: “It has been the biggest mass participation event in the UK for some time and we entered the Guinness Book of Records many years ago. This will be our biggest run yet. In around two years, the money raised for charities will hit the half-billion-pound mark.”
The former long-distance athlete said he is looking forward to England and Newcastle United star Dan Burn starting their biggest ever event on Sunday.
Other famous faces are expected to be out in force including Jake Quickenden, Joe Wicks, Chris Kamara, Ben Shephard, Joe McElderry, Helen Skelton and Peter Reid.
Burn is following in a fine Toon tradition after Kevin Keegan ran the first 1981 event in a top that was half in Newcastle United’s colours and half in those of Sunderland.
Thousands of people are expected to line the streets for another huge event on Tyneside with a display from the Red Arrows also expected.
The weather is expected to be fine for the run, with the Met saying: “A fine day, with early cloud in places breaking up to leave some warm sunny spells. Temperatures will be near average with mainly light winds. Maximum temperature 20 °C.”
To support the PM’s charity visit https://justgiving.com/page/andy-burnham-1.
