Darren and Steve take on the Great North Run to make their mark

On September 8, 2024, Darren Warburton and Steve Boddy embraced the challenge of the Great North Run to support The National Autistic Society. "With personal connections to autism through friends and family, we were both inspired to make a difference by raising awareness and funds for this crucial cause.

Autism affects millions of individuals worldwide, and The National Autistic Society plays a key role in providing support, resources, and advocacy. Their commitment to promoting understanding and acceptance closely aligns with our personal values and experiences, making this challenge even more meaningful.

As we arrived in Newcastle, fuelled by an early morning coffee and squeezed into an extremely tight Metro train packed with thousands of fellow runners, we began to truly feel the excitement. The AJ Bell Great North Run, often regarded as the greatest half marathon in the world, brought together 60,000 determined participants, creating an unbeatable atmosphere and raising millions for important causes.

After navigating the chaos of luggage buses and reuniting with a few of Steve’s friends, we soaked in the electric atmosphere of the day. Despite some nerves, we found ourselves laughing and enjoying the moment. Originally starting in the Pink wave, we managed to sneak through and start earlier than expected—an advantage that helped calm our nerves as the heavens opened with a refreshing downpour.

The weather turned out to be perfect for the race, cool and overcast, and the crowd support was simply incredible. Hearing people cheer our names, offering sweets, water, and energy-packed snacks along the route, reminded us why this event is so special.

In the end, both Steve and I finished the race under our target times and, together, we’ve raised over £1,000 for The National Autistic Society.

For both of us, taking on the Great North Run was more than just a personal achievement—it was a way to raise awareness and support for a cause that’s so close to our hearts.