Northumbria Police Chief reflects on 40 years of the Great North Run
Winton Keenan is speaking ahead of the event on Sunday
‘The Great North Run offers us all a real opportunity to celebrate our region and the communities that make it so special’
Those are the words of Northumbria Police’s Chief Constable Winton Keenen as the area once again prepares to host the Great North Run.
This weekend’s event is made all-the-more special, as it marks the 40th anniversary since the first race and follows last year’s hiatus brought about by the Covid pandemic.
Chief Constable Keenen said: “I think we should all congratulate everyone associated with the Great North Run for their significant achievement in reaching such a fantastic milestone.
“Northumbria Police have always been incredibly proud to play our part in what is revered by many as the world’s biggest and most famous half-marathon.
“This weekend provides an opportunity to both celebrate and showcase what our fabulous region has to offer – and over the years, the event really has captured the amazing community spirit for which the North East is famed.”
He added: “As we collectively celebrate such an impressive anniversary, I find myself reflecting on how the Great North Run has evolved over the years and equally the changes within policing during this time.
“Some of the changes will be clearly visible on the day, such as the uniform and equipment displayed by those on duty. However, like so many of the athletes involved in this event, who seek to utilise cutting-edge approaches to help increase their performance, so too many of the technological changes we are making are less obvious; as we seek to find new and innovative ways to enhance the face-to-face, community-based and personally-oriented approaches we hold dear to our hearts in everything we do.
“I have no doubt, over the next 40 years there will be many more changes to come, for the Great North Run and public services like ourselves, but one thing which I am confident will not change is the fantastic support we receive from our communities here in the North East.
“I wish everyone taking part in this year’s event all the very best, go well, enjoy the atmosphere and make some memories to treasure.”
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “I’m so looking forward to this. There’s so much that’s really special about the Great North Run –running across our famous bridge and everyone from all over joining in with the generous North East spirit.
“After the last year we’ve all had it’s hard to believe it’s happening, and with the big 40th celebration, I think it’s going to be an emotional one. To everyone taking part – go out there, do your best and enjoy it. To everyone working hard to make it happen and make it safe – thank you so much.”
Northumbria police say they will have officers stationed along the route and have been working with the organisers to make sure the event is safe for everyone.