Great North Run

[UkCath]

Hi

I'm just considering signing up for the great north run (using a cancer research UK space) but I'm wondering what kind of day it would be for the kids if they come along with Hubby..

They will be 2 and 3 at the time... just wondering if anyone has experience of taking kids along as spectators.. or would I be best trying to work out a way to leave them at home??

Thanks

 

[geordiemoo]

I've never taken kids with me but as a spectator I would say it isn't really much of a day for them (or your husband if he has them). It's really busy, and there's a lot of standing around. If the weather is rubbish then it is grim and it's so busy getting to and from the finish line, a car is a no go and it's quite a walk to and from metro/ferry/buses etc. Other people may have different advice but I would say they would have a better time at home as it can be a long day!

 

[geordiemoo]

BTW good for you, I would never be able to do it but my brother does it every year for North Tyneside hospital oncology unit in memory of my mum!

 

[SmileyKez]

I'd agree, I've watched as a spectator, without kids, and it's a long day, busy, and if it's cold it's awful! I'd leave your lo's at home and tell them to watch for you on tv lol!

 

[Bekah78]

I ran it last year, and it could be a miserable day for them if weather is same again this year. It was cold, windy and some heavy showers. We also sat in the car for 2 hours before they'd let us out of the car park. Not much fun for little ones. It was a fantastic event to run though. I had a ballot place for this year but donated it to a charity because I'm starting Ivf again later this month. Good luck, hope training goes well!

 

[Logan's Mum]

Im running it this year! Are you based in Newcastle? OH did it when Logan was 2 months old. I took the Metro to South Shields and met him at the finish area. I didnt consider looking for him on the run with a baby to entertain! I think OH will do the same this year, maybe your OH could just meet you there?

 

[Katerpillar]

My sister is doing it and I'm taking her little girl and mine to meet her at the finish line. I think it's a long time for them to be out and knowing our weather it will be pants so maybe they can just estiamte your time and meet you at the end?

 

[MrsButterfly]

I'm running it this year. We're hopefully staying in Newcastle the night before with a friend so my DH and lo will come and just meet me at the end, but even if we can't then they'll probably wander round town before getting the metro over to the finish line. Sure they'll cope! I'm more worried about how I'll cope!!!

P.S. Anyone running it - we should set up a little group to motivate us training - I certainly need it….!

 

[Bekah78]

Just a thought. Are you on Facebook? If so look up a page called Run Mummy Run. It's a ladies only page for runners and they're great at answering questions like this. You get great support from the other ladies too whilst training. They discuss everything from running with pmt, sports bras and recovering from injuries. They even discuss running buggies etc. Xx

 

[UkCath]

Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences. It does sound like it would be miserable for them.

I'm looking at the Bristol Half Marathon now. My sister in law lives there so we can meet up with her too and they can keep the kids entertained while I run.

I've noticed for the great north run, there is lots of kid friendly / family stuff going on the day before, rather than on the same day as the run. Something to bare in mind if I decide to do it next year.

I used to do 10ks pre-kids but have been out of it a while and really want to get back in to running. I've registered for the York 10k and I've been completing the 5k park-runs on a Saturday have been really enjoying it. I'll take a look at the Run Mummy Run Facebook page.

 

[MrsButterfly]

The York 10k is a really nice one - I did it a few years back and enjoyed it a lot.

 

[Button#]

My OH does the parkruns as well. He runs with LO in a running buggy.