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Best foot forward to help

03 July 2008

HUNDREDS TAKE PART IN THE SEVENTH ANNUAL CHRONICLE SUNSHINE FUND RUN FOR NEEDY CHILDREN

HUNDREDS of runners put their best foot forward for the Sunshine Run. And they were rewarded with a spot of their own sunshine too, as the rain held off for the seventh annual riverside fun run.

The rays burst through the clouds just in time for the competitors to make it across the finish line in Gateshead’s Baltic Square. Dressed in company colours, teams from businesses across Newcastle swapped their suits for sports gear for the 5K race. Individual runners also took part to support the Chronicle’s Sunshine Fund, which helps improve the lives of sick and disabled children across the North East. They were cheered by hundreds who lined the quayside by the start line, near the Pitcher and Piano bar.

Crowds lined the route which passes the Copthorne Hotel and heads up towards Newcastle Business Park before doubling back to cross the Millennium Bridge. There was a carnival atmosphere thanks to live steel band music which had people dancing in the streets. And there was plenty of laughter as the runners took part in a Mr Motivator-style warm-up.

The runners were sent on their way by Paralympic star Stephen Miller, who is a VIP patron of the charity. He said: “It raises a lot of money for a great cause. They do a lot of good work for disabled kids across the North East.” Among the teams taking part were those from KPMG, Hay & Kilner, IT Professional Services, Byker’s Winn Solicitors and engineering firm Mott MacDonald. The first runner across the line was Michael Morris of the Deloitte team, who completed the course in 15 minutes 53 seconds.

The 33-year-old from Whitley Bay has never competed in the Sunshine Run before, but said: “Three of us got away and I got a break at about two kilometres.
“It was great because people from work were going the other way round, and I was getting cheered on by them. “I was tired when I first finished. It was quite hard coming over the bridge. You have a bit of a climb coming over the middle. “It’s a fantastic course. It’s flat most of the way, and it’s a beautiful setting.”

In second place was Lee Millmore, 25, who was running with pals from Birtley Athletics Club. In third place was Simon O’Donnell.
Lee, who was ranked third last year, said: “I’m pleased with finishing second, and hopefully next year I’ll make it to first place.
“Having ran it last year, I proposed an event for the club this year to support the Sunshine Fund. So we are doing to the coast-to-coast and hope to raise at least £1,000.”

In the women’s competition, first place went to Vicki Thompson, who was followed closely by Jenny Tinkler, and in third place was Maggie Loraine. All winners were presented with prize plates by Chronicle Editor Paul Robertson.

Martin Soloman, chairman of the fund, might not have made it to the podium, but he did take part in the race. He said: “It’s great to have it running in its seventh year, with so many individuals and teams

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