Kieran Smith prepares for The Great North Run 2024

The 2025 AJ Bell Great North Run September Ballot is open!

Apply and with a bit of luck you could secure your entry for 2025. Please consider running for #TeamWish to help us continue to grant the wishes of children enduring life threatening and terminal illnesses. 

The ballot remains open until Friday 13 September and anyone who is unsuccessful can try again in the usual January ballot. Check out: greatrun.org/events/great-north-run

 

Curious about what it's like to be part of something truly incredible? 

We caught up with Kieran Smith as he prepares for the 2024 Great North Run this weekend:

Why did you choose to do the Great North Run? 

The GNR is a race I've always wanted to run, having family from the area and enjoying time in the North East with both family and friends I know it will be lively, with the best of crowds lining the route. I believe it is the largest half marathon in the world, in terms of participant numbers and I know it will be a special day to line up in the field and run the route for a wonderful cause.

 

Have you ever ran a half marathon before? 

Yes, I have - I have only really run events that mean something to me with an emotional connection, so my home town of Beckenham, my mum's home town run of Alloa and my home city of Edinburgh and of course I've ran the distance along the coast here, an ultimate head clearer although my legs never replicate that feeling.

 

Why did you choose When you Wish Upon A Star to run for? 

I was aware of the charity, but it wasn't until I met Jude at a local business networking event that I witnessed the amazing work that this small charity carries out for the most deserving of young people and their families. Creating magical experiences and memories, I was blown away by the efforts such a small team go to, to make these truly unique and special for all concerned. I knew I could and wanted to help, fundraising is one way I can help, but watch this space.

 

How’s your training going? 

My training is ok, I run daily but am stuck in a somewhat lower distance rut, I have a couple of weeks left to change that though - so expect to see me running miles along our coast between Edinburgh and Musselburgh at all times of the day. If you see me give me a cheer.

 

What are your must haves on race day? 

I always get quite nervous on race days and dependent on start time tend to have no must haves, no superstitions and generally like to arrive as light as possible, so perhaps a porridge to start the day, no more than 2 coffees, very little water and ensure all kit picked out night prior. Despite taking very little, I don't like to carry anything whilst running, I will always think and worry I've forgotten something! So my only absolute must have, or do - is to be at the start line on time and find someone to talk to, to calm the nerves.

 

What does Wish granting mean to you? 

Wish granting is so special, I witnessed the joy for all involved and know that it is something I want to be involved in and give back to those deserving of magical experiences not just for the young person, but the families, friends and all involved. Some of the wishes that When You Wish Upon a Star achieve are inspiring and touch so many people across the community and wider. I know people involved in the operation and am aware it brings them joy and be able to support and contribute to the granting of wishes to those so deserving of a sprinkling of magic and love.

What are you looking forward to most about the day? 

It has to be the crowds, the famously fabulous northeast support and, of course, knowing that my efforts matter and are for a fabulous cause enabling When You Wish Upon a Star to achieve all that they want, to create further incredible wishes.

The whole team at When You Wish Upon a Star would like to thanks Kieran and all runners fundraising for When You Wish Upon a Star this weekend at The Great North Run 2024.  

Do something incredible, help grant the wish of a sick child, be part of #TeamWish