The Great North Run is the largest half Marathon in the world with 54,000 participants each year. Due to the high number of applicants entrants are selected at random.
WBro Jack Summerfield of Corbie Lodge 9155 entered the draw this year and, to his surprise, he was successful. He therefore downloaded a BUPA training programme and followed it as best he could. He describes his frame a portly and he had never run further than 400m. Training intensively during the summer, he decided to raise money for Teddies For Loving Care.
He was installed into the Chair of Corbie Lodge ten days before the run which took place on 16 September 2011.
For the first time in his 13 years as a Mason, he did not need to loosen his apron after the Summer Break. In fact he lost 3 stones in weight.
Originally only hoping to simply finish the race he eventually set a target of three hours. Starting at the very back of the pack and it took him a full 35 minutes to reach the start line! All 13.1 miles were lined with people cheering and bands playing.
He says, "It was like a dream and I managed to complete it in 2hrs 38mins 31 seconds, having overtook more than 23,000 people. I was sore for a week afterwards but the hurt was eased by the fact that I had raised £500 for TLC. Thanks to all brethren, friends and family that sponsored me."