The Simplyhealth Great North Run welcomed over 43,000 runners to complete the 13.1-mile course.
Famous athletes, celebrities, and members of the public all took part to raise money for charity or as training for future marathons.
Sir Mo Farah managed a record-breaking fifth victory by winning the elite’s men’s race in 59 minutes and 29 seconds.
Simplyhealth Professionals has been encouraging its dentists to sign up and had 55 members taking part in the Simplyhealth Great North run.
We interviewed a few of the dentists on the day to see what they had to say about the experience.
Ursula Goode, 18 Dental
‘I finished in 1hr 45mins, I’m delighted.
‘This is my eighth half marathon, but I heard this was the best one to do and I have not been disappointed.
‘Running is not just a physical outlet, it’s a real stress reliever, it’s great for your mental health.
‘It helps me put my day or working week into perspective when I go out and run.
‘I have been a runner for many years and I’ll always be a runner.
‘I love the sense of community – it’s very good for team building.’
Billy Campbell, Camlough Dental Practice
‘It was great, the run was harder than I thought, but it was like a festival – every minute there was something happening.
‘We decided to take part at the last of the key client forum, we were talking to Angela Beale and Henry Clover about running and exercise.
‘Running clears your head, I’m sure it’s good for everything else, but the main reason I do it is to clear my head.
‘All your work problems are still there, but they don’t feel as bad when you get back from a run.’
Clive Schmulian, Clyde Munro Dental
‘I found it to be quite a hard race.
‘I have done seven half marathons and a marathon and that was one of the hardest races.
‘There was a lot of hills in it and there was constant sunshine so I found it to be tougher than previous half marathons.
‘I did it in two hours and 15 minutes.
‘Running has kept me young, like Peter Pan.
‘It’s good for my mental health, it helps manage stress and pressure at work and it’s been a very effective way of helping me relax and overcome the pressures of clinical practice and dentistry.’
All for a good cause
With so many dentists highlighting how important physical activity, and running in particular, is in helping to maintain and improve mental health, we have nominated Mind, the mental health charity, as our official charity partner for the 2018 Simplyhealth Great Run Series.
Participants, without a chosen charity are encouraged to run for Mind.
For more information on Simplyhealth Professionals visit www.simplyhealthprofessionals.co.uk.
