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Oldest ever Great North Run competitor passes away.

Bill Cooksey, a World War Two veteran, was 102 years old.

102 year old Bill Cooksey (centre) from Newton Aycliffe poses for a photo prior to the AJ Bell Great North Run 2023
Author: Micky WelchPublished 9th Nov 2023

Tributes are pouring in for an RAF vetran, who became the oldest person to finish he Great North Run at 102 years old, has died.

Bill Cooksey was from County Durham.

He walked the 13.1 miles from Newcastle to South Shields back in September wearing the special 102 number given to him by race organiser Sir Brendan Foster.

102 year old Bill Cooksey (centre) from Newton Aycliffe poses for a photo prior to the AJ Bell Great North Run 2023

In the process he raised around £2000 for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.

The Great North Run team led the tributes:

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