Sedberghians Raise Over £52,000 for Save the Children at Great North Run
On a remarkable showing of Sedberghian spirit and solidarity, a team of 100+ pupils, staff, parents and Old Sedberghians travelled north to Newcastle to take part in the Great North Run, the largest half marathon in the world with over 60,000 participants.
The day began before dawn, with breakfast at Queens Hall at 5:30am and two coaches departing by 6:00am. Runners arrived in Tyneside to find typical race-day conditions of 16°C, intermittent rain and gusty winds, but nothing could dampen their enthusiasm.
On the course, Sedbergh was superbly represented. Mr Wells led the charge, finishing in 1:20:13 to claim 2nd in the V55 category, closely followed by Old Sedberghians, Tim Barker-Chapman (1:23:50), Will Croft (1:24:04, 16th U20) and Josh Marlow (1:27:02). Wilson Run winner, Sam Gunning managed an impressive 1:27:27.
Among the staff, Mr Roberts Harry (1:27:44) narrowly edged out Mr Davey in the closing stages, while former Wilson Run champion Jemima Berry was the first Sedberghian female home in 1:33:29. Pupil, George S led the younger runners with a fine performance of 1:41:20.
From there, Sedberghian finishers streamed in steadily, many completing their first ever half marathon. Every single runner crossed the line, filling the Save the Children stand in the Charity Village with pride, celebration and no shortage of stories of grit and triumph.
The event formed a key part of ‘Sedbergh Gives Back’ and the School’s 500th Anniversary celebrations, demonstrating the resilience and generosity at the heart of the Sedberghian community. Together, the runners raised more than £43,000, which rises to over £52,000 with Gift Aid, for Save the Children.
Speaking after the race, Headmaster Dan Harrison said:
“What we witnessed in Newcastle was the very best of Sedbergh – resilience, determination, humour and above all, community spirit. To see pupils, parents, staff and Old Sedberghians running side by side, all united in support of Save the Children, was truly inspiring. This remarkable fundraising effort will change lives, and it shows that when Sedberghians come together, anything is possible.”
Whether this Great North Run becomes a one-off landmark or the beginning of a new tradition remains to be seen. For now, after a day of athletic achievement, community celebration and extraordinary charitable impact, Sedberghians can take pride in a truly historic occasion.
