My 2005 poem - Great North Run

The Great North Run was an early dawn
Surprise for September, it was sunny and warm
We arrived at the start of the 25th race
We got through the mass and squeezed into a space
Safety pins fastening numbers to tops
Microchipped ankles for the time when we stop
The atmosphere’s friendly, we’re so pleased to be here
A North East occasion they hold very dear

With Brendan and Crammy it looks great on the telly
Now the day has come, will our legs become jelly
There’s actors, presenters and Nell McAndrew
There’s Motty and Stubbsy, was that Dr. Who?
The ‘Jerusalem’ hymn and the parachute lads
‘Abide With Me’ thinking of lost mums and dads
There’s big bananas, sunflowers and Scooby Doo
We see Spongebob, Spiderman and Elvis too

Just before the gun, tracksuits get thrown
As we make our first steps into the great unknown
It takes quarter of an hour to get on our way
Never been so slow on a dual carriageway
Now near the Tyne Bridge we see the Red Arrows
Any chance of a lift? Are you going to Jarrow?
“Oggie oggie oggie!” echoes as we run down below
We yell ‘Oi oi oi!’ back but we’re not quite Seb Coe

Vests for hearts, asthma, cancers are all proudly worn
Charity will do well on this very hot morn
Stories happy and sad are all in the mix
My knee wants a rest but we’re only at six
Water stations welcome, showers to run through
What the heck is that queue? Ah yes, Portaloo
Houses share hosepipes, songs and ice-pops
Cheers and sliced oranges from their own table tops

Temptation is there at the side of the road
An ice-cream van’s spotted sharing its load
The crowds are fantastic with all their support
We do hand slaps with kids to encourage the sport
The miles pass by quick as we head for the coast
Don’t care that our time will be nothing to boast
Tragedy strikes as four pass away
A terrible loss on a very hot day

Down the last hill now, take care of the knee
We turn the last corner and there is the sea
As we look up the road, what a sight to treasure
Bye to the last band, the breeze makes it feel fresher
The Red Arrows are back as we do the last miles
We both reach the finish with real happy smiles
Proud to have been part of the amazing event
Thoroughly enjoyed a race so well meant
With space blankets, t-shirts and medals round neck
We walk to the metro for our homeward trek
Buses and trains… well never again
The lines were so long as we started to wane
A great day of achievement in a charity vest
Now it’s off to the pub in need of a rest
Sit back and relax and enjoy a cold beer
With great memories aplenty we’ll be back next year