My PB for a HM is 2:05 [Reading 2016] The GNR wasn't anywhere close to that. I recommend anyone interested in running a PB to do the GNR - it's all downhill near the the finish, Geordies are so intrinsically friendly & welcoming.

I hadn't 'factored in' thousands of runners & spectators queuing up to take buses/the metro back into Newcastle. As a result I got back so late that I missed my 15:00 train to Ipswich. Moreover, my hotel wanted to charge me £50 for overstaying my welcome; I should have checked out at 13:00. Rather than pay the fine I coughed up the extra and stayed another night- kerching! Monday afternoon I bought another train ticket and headed home, tired & skint.

Had fun in Newcastle! Unfortunately I didn't plan it well at all. The race started in Newcastle but the finish was 12 miles away on the coast, in North Shields. After finishing (I was pipped to the post by Mohammed Farah!) I collected my Finishers medal & tee shirt.