2024 Great North Run

Last weekend many runners took part in The Great North Run 2024 fundraising for When You Wish Upon a Star. It was a wonderful day and we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all those that took part to help us raise much need funds to ensure we can continue our mission of granting the wishes of children enduring life threatening and terminal illnesses.

Ahead of the day we caught up with Mark James, this what he shared with us about his journey to taking part in The Great North Run 2024:

Why did you choose to do the Great North Run?

I’m originally from the North East so the Great North Run has always been something I was aware of. When I first started running I intended it to be my first real challenge. Since that happened I’ve ended up in a few other half marathons but none of them have the same significance to me as this one. I’m really looking forward to running around a place I know so well. 

 

Have you ever ran a half marathon before?

My first was the Manchester Half last year in October. I was blown away by it and became instantly addicted to the pain. As I approached the finish line I remember thinking, “I never have to do this again”. Then as soon as I picked up the medal, I started googling for others. A few months ago I did the Edinburgh Half and it rained from about an hour before until hours after. Not even just a drizzle but full pelt downpour. As we took to the coastal road, I felt like I was in the end of the Shawshank Redemption. Probably the most brutal experience of my life. 

 

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

My friend John was a patron of the charity for many many years and I always admired his strength in purposefully putting himself into situations with so many people experiencing difficult times. I’d been in that situation once or twice myself when asked to meet families at the end of panto performances or shows that I was in. I told John how difficult it found it and he reframed the whole experience for me with just a few words. He told me how important it was to create the environment and opportunity for people to have great memories. He also told me that positivity was like a magnet and that I could contribute to it’s force. I’ve since experienced a difficult diagnosis with my wife that thankfully had a good outcome. I understand more than ever the power of trying to be a light in dark times for those who need it.

 

How’s your training going? 

Really really really badly. Haha. I wish I could say differently. I’m also a touring stage magician and have been performing shows almost every single day of the summer without a day off for around 2 months. This has totally obliterated my training and I”m going into it with a wing and a prayer. 

 

What are your must haves on race day?

Jelly babies, my trusty Hoka Cliton 8s and a great playlist. I tend to choose music by bands that are from the area I”m running in. When I ran in Manchester I listened to Oasis and loads of Britpop. For the GNR I’ll be pumping out some Sam Fender and The Police.  

 

What does Wish granting mean to you?

The idea that anything I raise could make someones life even 1% better would make it worth running 20 of these. The struggle I will feel on the day is nothing in comparison to what many go through on a daily basis. I just hope I can find some support and get myself across the line. 

 

What are you looking forward to most about the day

I always find it really inspiring seeing people’s stories. When someone runs past you in a particular tshirt or with a photograph of a loved one, you get a glimpse of their reaons for being there. Every single person is fighting some sort of internal battle and it’s always heartwarming to be surrounded by. I always enjoy the last half mile when people really encourage each other. There’s nothing like another running saying ‘come on mate we’ve nearly done this’ and you feel that little extra surge to finish. Like every other race I’ve done, I’ll usually be crying as I cross the finish line. I’m easily overwhelmed.  

Inspired? 

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