Junior Great North Run, 12th September 2026

On the eve of the Great North Run, there was a chance for juniors (ages 9 to 16) to have a go down on the Quayside, over a slightly shorter distance of 4km. For those more used to junior parkrun, this would prove a sturdier challenge at twice the distance.

Not so for 12 year old Charlotte Kerr, who is becoming increasingly experienced at 5k races. Charlotte led the way for the Claremont offspring, and had this to say:

“I hated how crowded it was, but liked it when you set off because you started to get some space. I ran pretty well but it was still hard. At the end I hi-fived everyone and mum shouted to not high five. Although I was intimidated by a girl at the start, who had glasses that attach to the watch and spiky shoes, I still said well done when she passed. I know, how lovely of me.”

Representing the under-9’s in the 1.5km ‘Mini’ Great North Run were Lauren O’Brien and Luca and Elena Marzo. Although affiliated officially to Low Fell, Piper Robinson finished in a time of 23:35 in the Junior run, with little brother Flynn completing the Mini.

Position	Runner	Time
14	Charlotte Kerr	17:32
321	Danielle O’Brien	26:21
859	Christopher Bell	30:02
907	Sophie Bell	36:07