Inspirational Claire Starts Great North Run Challenge
THE inspirational Claire Lomas has started start her five-day Great North Run journey – beginning a challenge where she will attempt to walk the entire 13.1 miles of the world's biggest half marathon in a bionic suit.
Claire was paralysed from the chest down after a riding accident in 2007, but five years later became the first person to complete a marathon wearing the revolutionary ReWalk suit when she took 17 days to complete the London Marathon.
But while Claire has previously completed events around the UK long after other participants have finished, organisers are giving the Leicestershire 36-year-old a five-day head start in the world-famous half marathon between Newcastle and South Shields – so she can finish before the rest of the 57,000 runners, in front of thousands of cheering spectators and live on BBC television.
Great Run Company chairman Brendan Foster sounded the horn to start off Claire's run on Claremont Road on Wednesday morning, where she has begun her walk on a specially devised route through the city centre and over the Tyne Bridge. She aims to complete three miles per day, assisted by husband Dan, before taking in the final mile on Sunday, where she will finish in front of the crowd on The Leas in South Shields.
Claire, who is raising money for the Nichols Spinal Injury Foundation, visited Newcastle High School for Girls on Wednesday morning to give a motivational talk with the schoolchildren joining her at the start line to show their support.
Claire's route (click to expand)
Event organisers The Great Run Company have given Claire number 2016 for the Great North Run. Chief Executive, Mark Hollinshead, said: “Claire is an inspiration and we are absolutely delighted to welcome her. Her enthusiasm, positivity and ‘can do' attitude is both uplifting and infectious.
“She will be guaranteed the warmest of receptions for her latest challenge at the Great North Run.”
- To donate to Claire's charity, visit justgiving.com/clairelomasGNR, or text LEGS60 £5 to 70070 – Visit www.claireschallenge.co.uk for more information.
To keep up with Claire's progress, keep checking the @Great_Run Twitter account or #claireswalk
Related Articles
1/11
Sold Out AJ Bell Great North 10k Saw 6,000 Runners
The AJ Bell Great North 10k took place this morning (Sunday, 7 July), and it was the biggest staging of the North East’s most popular 10k yet.
Great North Run Unveils Prestigious World Athletics Heritage Plaque on 43rd Birthday
Celebrating Great North Run’s 43rd birthday and the unveiling of the prestigious World Athletics Heritage Plaque.
One Month to Go Until the Great North 10k
THE inspirational Claire Lomas has started start her five-day Great North Run journey – beginning a challenge where she will attempt…
Statement from The Great Run Company
THE inspirational Claire Lomas has started start her five-day Great North Run journey – beginning a challenge where she will attempt…
This is the One!
Manchester’s biggest running event with 30,000 participants and 100,000 spectators is back this Sunday.
Celebrities Join Tens of Thousands in the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run
Among the tens of thousands of participants taking part in the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run are a host of celebrities running the 10k.
Power of Running: Helen Ryvar
Helen Ryvar is the Guinness World Record Holder for running the most consecutive half marathons, hitting 111 back in 2021. Read Helen's story.
Power of Running: Andrew Porter
Andrew Porter, 47, has ran every Great Manchester Run 10k since it started in 2003. Read Andrew's story.
Days to Go until the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run
With just 10 days to go until this year’s Great Manchester Run, the countdown is on for Manchester’s much-loved half-marathon and 10k event.
Power of Running: Halee Robinson
After falling out of love with running Halee signed up for the Great Birmingham Run and hasn't looked back. Read Halee's story.
Power of Running: Holly Tilt
Holly Tilt is making her comeback one year after sustaining a serious head injury. Read Holly's story.
