I am pleased the Great North Run finish line returned to South Shields last Sunday after a two-year absence. Having taken part in the race in previous years, I know how much it means to our town.
The run is a world-famous event that brings not only the eyes of the nation to the North East, but it brings much needed trade for our local businesses.
The event being cancelled in 2020 and the rearranged finish line in 2021, both due to covid, had a huge impact on our town’s hospitality industry which was already struggling to cope after numerous lockdowns.
Last year, I called for extra relief from the Government to help local businesses left out of pocket on one of their busiest days of the year and pushed for the race to return to us.
The South Shields section is iconic to the run, as runners take in the stunning views of our coastline before crossing the finish line amidst the excitement of the crowds. To see it returned this year is a bright spot amidst what has been a terribly sad period of mourning for the country over the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Well done to everyone involved in making sure the event was respectful of our nations mourning and congratulations to all the runners.