in that sense. But will the organisers please, please, please have a sub 1:30/1:40 category just after the elite runners for people who can prove their ability with a previous qualifying time and satisfy the more able club runners who want to race the course

medallist Brendan Foster, who got the idea after running in New Zealand's Round the Bays race in 1979.When the GNR made its debut in 1981, it took place in June and boasted a line-up of 12,000 runners – many of whom will be back this year, no doubt relieved

The RW pacers will be making one more outing this year, at the Bupa Great North Run on October 6. We'll be aiming to get home inside 1:30 and 1:45, as well as running a relaxed, run/walk 'Get You Round'.You will have to have an entry to the race

half-marathon, marathon and 10K pace (6:30, 7:30 and 6:00 respectively) per minute 30 mins easy or rest 45 mins, including 30 mins of hills or fartlek 1 hr 50 mins slow (8:00) or 10K race Week 4 (w/c Aug 11) Rest 10 mins warm-up, then 16 x 200m at 5K

30 mins easy or rest 10 mins warm-up, then 16 x 200m at 5K pace (6:30) starting every minute (2 sets of 8 with 400m recovery between) then 10 mins cool-down Rest 2 hours slow (8:00 - 9:00) Week 5 (w/c Aug 18) Rest 10 mins warm-up, then 4 x 2K at 10K

-down 65 mins easy 40 mins, including 20 mins at half-marathon pace (8:00) 30 mins easy or rest 110 mins slow (9:00 - 10:00) RestWeek 4 (w/c Aug 11) Rest 10 mins warm-up, then 14 x 200m at 5K pace (7:45) starting every minute (2 sets of 7 with 400m

mins alternating between half-marathon pace (11:00) and jog recovery pace (12:00 - 13:00) per minute Rest 20 mins easy or rest 75-80 mins slow (11:00 - 12:00) Week 3 (w/c Aug 4) Rest 10 mins warm-up, then 10 x 400m at 5K pace (sub-10:00) with 1-min

mins steady (10:00 - 10:30) Rest 30 mins easy or rest 1:45 slow (11:00 - 12:00) Week 5 (w/c Aug 18) Rest 10 mins warm-up, then 2 x 12 mins at 10K pace (9:00 - 9:30) with 2- min recoveries, then 10 mins cool-down Rest 45 mins easy Rest 30 mins easy

what I was hoping for but it is still a new PB, and the fastest I’ve ever run! Read more (Updated 06/10/08)Sue Thompson (aka Pleased of Higham) Finish Time: 1:46:04 (Target time - 1:45) Sue says: The clock said 1:45:59 when I crossed the line

Getty ImagesIf you’re one of the 50,000 runners gearing up to pound the streets of Newcastle on September 20 then this page is just for you! From the perfect two-week taper to nipping race-morning nerves in the bud, trouble-free transport