Take up the Great North Run for Rainbows with athlete Jess Judd

Runners across the East Midlands are being invited to take up the challenge of the Great North Run to raise money for youngsters with life-limiting conditions – and benefit from top coaching advice.

The ballot for sought-after places for the world’s biggest half marathon may have just closed, but Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People – based in Loughborough – has its own allocation for those willing to run for the charity.

And, in addition to a guaranteed place at the September event, Rainbows has enlisted the support of two athletes with international experience to help support those taking up the challenge with coaching and training advice.

Support before, during and after the half marathon will be provided by former international runner Vince Wilson, now a leading coach, while a training session will also feature with World Junior Championships silver medallist, Jess Judd. 

She said: “I’ll be offering my tips and advice to Team Rainbows too, to help runners achieve their full potential and get the best from themselves – all for such a worthy cause.”

Last year Rainbows nurse Viv Durham swapped her uniform for her running kit to compete, with the aim of chasing Sir Mo Farah to improve on her Personal Best.

Mrs Durham, a mother of four, said: “It was an incredible experience! I started running two years ago, competing in the 2015 Great North Run, which I also completed to raise money for Rainbows. My motivation for starting to run was that I was quickly approaching 40 and I felt overweight and unfit!”

Nancy Lillington, Rainbows Events Manager, added: “Whether you’re a jogger, a fancy-dress runner, PB chaser or first-timer, you can join Team Rainbows and make your Great North Run an experience to remember – and help brighten the lives of youngsters who so need our support.”

Anyone wanting to know more about signing up for the Great North Run for Team Rainbows can call 0800 9521133 or email [email protected]