The Bupa Great North Run, the world’s biggest half marathon, took place on Sunday 20th September. 52,000 runners, Atmosphere, dedication, passion, fun., THE most iconic half-marathon on the planet, Live on BBC television. Run from Newcastle to South Shields.

More information about the event can be found on the official race web-site

Pancreatic Cancer UK had a team of runners in the 2009 Great North Run who joined survivor Trace Allen and his wife Joy running for Pancreatic Cancer UK.
Trace Allen ran in his 24th Great North Run read article on BBC Tyne. Joy finished 3rd in the V60 class in 2008. In 2006 Newcastle Evening Chronicle recorded a video clip of Trace at the start of the race.

They joined the 50,000 or so other people lining up for the start of the Great North Run in Newcastle. They all struggled in the heat but found it worth the pain to raise the funds and awareness for Pancreatic cancer UK.

Other runners in 2009 included Helen Blaby, the BBC Radio 5live morning traffic reporter, who lost her father to pancreatic cancer in 2002. She says "this will be my first ever half marathon. My word it's a challenge". She was joined by a number of 5Live reporters who also ran for Pancreatic Cancer UK. Helen Blaby in her Radio 5 Blog said "Even though I did walk most of it, and it took me the same time that it takes slow coaches to do a marathon, I did it and I have a medal to prove it. What a great day it was, too. We arrived on the start line at just before 9am and it was absolutely freezing. The 5 live team stood around moaning about how cold it was, and how it was going to be slightly miserable if it stayed that cold. I had to wander away for a while to do a television interview with Jonathan Edwards and then met up with the three lovely ladies who were going to chaperone me around the course. Being a slow coach, and starting at the front is a slightly scary thing with all the barging and pushing that goes on but Sue, Christine and Sarah stood round me like minders and we were well on the way. The sun came out just before the gun went, and I did manage to jog the first 500 yards or so before settling in to a fairly even pace. I could not stop smiling. The atmosphere surrounding the Great North Run is like nothing you'll ever experience. 54,000 runners being cheered on by probably just as many spectators, it was completely unbelievable................" On to South Shields seafront, and I could see the 'mile to go' marker in front of me and also Kate Williams and Sue Dougan running towards me to help me make it to the finish. I'm not ashamed to say I cried my eyes out when we got there. It had been physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting. I have blisters the size of Wales, I am walking not unlike a sunburnt monkey, but I've raised nearly £2000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK and that's all that ultimately matters."

Fidelma Atkinson and Heather McCulloch took part in this run in memory of John Fisher who died from pancreatic cancer in September 2008 aged just 47, after a very brave 18 month battle with the disease. John was a talented professional musician who was a member of the Music Department at Christ Church University.

Jill Golightly ran to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK, a charity close to her heart having lost her best friend to the disease in 2006. Before the race she said "I will be there under ‘P’ (ed. at the finish) but you may be waiting a long time as this is my first half marathon so I don’t know how long it will take! I am looking forward to it though and of course living in Newcastle it is all around me wherever I looks so there is no chance of forgetting about it!

Margaret Magnusson who lost her father Magnus Magnusson to the disease said "My brother-in-law's brother (53) died of pancreatic cancer at the weekend so I feel like doing something positive for him." However Margaret had to defer her entry to 2010.

Gemma Law ran and said "My nana and great uncle both died from Pancreatic Cancer so the charity has a meaning close to my heart." , Julie Johnston, who ran with her husband ,said "I lost my father to pancreatic cancer in 2007. He was only 59 years of age and it was heart breaking to see him suffer the way he did. He only lived for 7 months after prognosis. I have never done a race as long as this but I am determined to get fit and try and raise as much money as I can to help research this horrible disease to help make life a little more comfortable for those suffering.", Stephanie Pendleton and sister Helen ran - Stephanie said "My Dad died of pancreatic cancer last year so it is a cause close to me. " Phil Giles who got injured before the Reading Half Marathon and then walked the course with a collecting bucket also ran.