On Sunday, 8th September, 60,000 runners of varying ages and fitness levels will converge on Newcastle City Centre to take part in the AJ Bell Great North Run. This annual event, renowned as the world’s largest half marathon, challenges participants to traverse a 13.1-mile course that winds from Newcastle to South Shields. While the runners aim to achieve personal milestones, they also contribute significantly to raising millions for both local and national charities.
This year, the Pacers—those crucial individuals who help guide runners to their personal bests—are sponsored by Solgar, a leading brand in vitamins and supplements. These men and women, who have their own powerful stories, offer not just pace guidance but also motivation and support to help runners reach the finish line.
Richard Parker: running through adversity
Richard Parker, a 59-year-old pacer from Skipton, North Yorkshire, is no stranger to the running scene. His journey with the Great North Run began in 1987, back when he was a student running in old trainers and a baggy tee shirt. Over the years, Richard has paced numerous races in cities like Liverpool, Manchester, London, and Newcastle. However, it was an unexpected event 25 years ago that truly transformed his relationship with running.
One night, Richard suddenly lost his hearing—an event he describes as though someone had flipped a switch. The cause was likely a virus, and since that day, he has lived with no hearing in one ear and only 10% in the other. Adapting to this life-changing situation was a significant mental challenge, but Richard found solace and a new sense of purpose through running.
“Becoming severely deaf plunged me into a very different world,” Richard recalls. “I really struggled mentally, and running helped me cope. It gave me a renewed purpose. To run amongst nature, across the fields, being able to see and enjoy the seasons come and go, made me feel just how fortunate I was, despite my hearing loss. Plus, raising money for charities through my running meant I felt that I could give something back.”
Now, Richard focuses less on achieving personal bests and more on helping others achieve theirs. He finds immense satisfaction in aiding runners who doubt their capabilities. His favourite golden moment occurred during the 2022 Great North Run when he encountered an elderly runner struggling to continue up a hill. The runner was wearing a shirt with a photo of his late wife, and he shared with Richard that he was running to support the hospice that had cared for her.
“We ran up the hill together, and it was an incredibly special experience to honour her and those that had cared for her,” Richard says. “Being a pacer is an absolute privilege. Watching people achieve their targets and giving them that extra push to help and motivate them to get over that finishing line is really, really special. I often get a big hug!”
Richard’s tips for runners
Richard’s advice to runners is simple: “Just have fun, fun, fun!” He emphasizes that taking part in the race is a reward for all the hard work put in during training. For those who choose to run with a pacer, Richard notes that it allows them to focus on enjoying the moment and soaking in the unparalleled support from the crowds.
Sophie Reynolds: A journey of transformation
Sophie Reynolds, a 29-year-old pacer from Newcastle, has a story that showcases the transformative power of running. She began running as a way to lose weight and improve her mental health. Between her slowest and fastest Great North Run times, Sophie shed over five stone—a testament to her dedication and the impact running has had on her life.
“When I started running, I was quite overweight and really struggling with life,” Sophie explains. “I wanted to challenge myself. And, if I’m honest, I absolutely hated it to start off with and found it really difficult.”
Sophie’s first Great North Run was a tough experience. She could barely run six miles before the event and almost gave up at mile five. However, she found strength in the 3-hour pacer, who encouraged her to keep going. Thanks to that pacer’s support, Sophie completed the race and went on to participate in seven more.
The experience inspired Sophie to become a pacer herself.
“I want to give back to the community that’s given me so much. It’s given me a new group of friends and a new purpose in life. And being fitter and losing all that weight has really made me feel much happier in myself.”
Sophie’s golden moments
One of Sophie’s standout memories is from the 2019 Great North Run, where she knocked an entire hour off her first-ever race time—a personal achievement that felt incredible. As a pacer, she now finds joy in helping others reach their goals.
“Every runner has a reason for running,”
she says.
“And it’s really humbling to help them achieve something they thought was unachievable.”
Sophie’s tips for runners
Sophie’s advice to those taking on the Great North Run is to “just go for it!” She encourages runners to focus on the present, enjoy the moment, and take in the atmosphere created by the supportive crowds.
“Enjoy every single mile. You can do it, and you will make an amazing memory for life.”
Meet the rest of Solgar’s Pacers
Richard and Sophie are just two of the inspirational Pacers at this year’s AJ Bell Great North Run. Each Pacer has a unique story and plays a crucial role in helping runners achieve their goals, whether it’s crossing the finish line for the first time or smashing a personal best. You can discover more about their stories and golden moments by exploring Solgar’s dedicated Pacer profiles.
Upcoming events
If you are inspired by the stories of these incredible Pacers, you can catch them at other upcoming events sponsored by Solgar:
- AJ Bell Great Scottish Run – 6th October 2024
- AJ Bell Great South Run – 20th October 2024
These events offer more opportunities to meet the Pacers and perhaps even share your own golden moments on the racecourse.
For those interested in learning more or arranging an interview with a Solgar Pacer, please reach out to the event organisers. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to the sport, the Pacers are here to help you achieve your running dreams.
