Great North Run

[Ann]

Joan, a friend of mine who's a keen photographer came to stay for the weekend so's we could go and watch the finish of the Great North Run. Jen joined us. Joan had a Press pass, so she vanished into areas that were barred to me and Jen, but we had a good time wandering round in the public areas.

The finish is right on the sea front and there are some lovely views.



We found a good spot by the finish and with the help of a convenient railing, like the ones you can see in the pictures, which I could stand on in order to see over people's heads (I'm only 5'3"), I got some shots of Paula Radcliffe.





I also captured Sonia O'Sullivan on film



We watched the elite men come home (but I haven't got any pictures of them) and then wandered off to see what else was going on.

There was a big contingent running from "Emmerdale" and "Eric Pollard" was very visible in the finish area, welcoming them all in and doing interviews. (He didn't run himself.) Brendan Foster, who started the whole thing was running this year and still had enough breath to be interviewed afterwards.





We saw a number of other familiar faces, but by the time I had the camera poised, they were past me and all could see was the back view!

[Catnip]

Looks like it was a lovely day for it, Ann! The sea looks flat calm! Interesting to see some famous faces, too! Did you get any autographs?!

[Ann]

No, I didn't get any autographs. I enjoyed seeing the familiar faces, but didn't have any inclination to approach them.

[Edda]

Ann,

Great pictures and story! I am a big fan of track and field, especially long distance running. Great scenery too. I am short too. (5'1").