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Team Newcastle take on Great North Run in aid of our students

Published on: 6 June 2025

This year, over 35 colleagues, graduates and supporters are joining #TeamNewcastle in the world’s biggest and best half-marathon to raise vital funds for our 29,000-strong student community.

The 13.1 mile route of the Great North Run takes runners across the iconic Tyne Bridge (accompanied by the Red Arrows!)

Our runners have pledged to raise money for the Newcastle University Student Fund with every stride they take along the 13.1-mile city to coastal route. Since it was established in 2021, the Newcastle University Student Fund has provided £1.5m to student causes across our three campuses around the world. Donations to the fund remove barriers to higher education for those in under-represented groups, helps students make the most of their time on campus, creates opportunities for the future and offers help when times get tough.

Meet #TeamNewcastle

In 2024, 12 runners from our university community united to race the Great North Run for the Newcastle University Student Fund, raising a fantastic £11,000 for student causes. Inspired by these trailblazers, we now have a team of over 35 colleagues, alumni and friends of the university donning their trainers to support current and future generations of Newcastle students.

This includes members of our Executive Board (Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Chris Day, and Pro-Vice-Chancellors Professor Ruth Valentine and Professor Jane Robinson) and colleagues from across Professional and Academic Services.

Speaking about his decision to join Team Newcastle, Head of Web, CRM and Analytics, Jason Yip said:

“We didn’t have much growing up. We lived together in one room of a shared council house, borrowed clothes from the community, and treasured every outing. But what my parents held onto and passed on to me was the belief that education, knowledge, and hard work were the keys to a better life.

“It’s why I’m proud to work for Newcastle University and why I’m running the Great North Run as part of Team Newcastle, raising money to open the doors of higher education to those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds including those fleeing war and conflict, and young people in our own region where, in some neighbourhoods, only 12% of pupils progress to university.”

Alumni Marco Amitrano (MEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 1992) and Rob McCargow (BSc Medical Microbiology, 1998), who both now work for PwC UK, have decided to run for Team Newcastle for the second year in a row. PwC UK are dedicated to supporting Newcastle students through workshops, debates, and the PwC Flying Start Bursary, which alleviates financial strain and allows students to focus on academics. The bursary also fosters a sense of belonging, enabling students to fully engage in university life by joining societies and sports teams.

Another runner from our alumni community is Megan Lambert. During her time at university, Megan was supported by an alumni-funded scholarship and led the 93% Club on campus. Since graduating, Megan has dedicated her career to improving opportunities available to other young people who face multiple barriers to reach their potential.

Support Team Newcastle by donating on JustGiving > 

Our history with the Great North Run

The Great North Run is a highlight in our region’s sporting calendar, welcoming 60,000 participants annually – from professional athletes to amateur runners raising money for worthy causes. The 13.1 miles city to coastal route begins a stone’s throw from Newcastle University, with runners pounding the pavement across the Tyne Bridge (accompanied by the Red Arrows!) and then following the river across to South Shields.

The iconic half marathon was founded by Olympian and honorary graduate of Newcastle University, Sir Brendan Foster CBE. Over 12,000 runners took part in the first event in June 1981, and the number of participants has grown ever since.

Over the years, many famous faces have fired the starting pistol, including honorary graduates Sir Bobby Robson (in 2007) and Sting (in 2009). Another honorary graduate and local sporting legend, Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson, has won the wheelchair race on multiple occasions. 

Great North 10k

Ahead of the big day, several members of Team Newcastle, including Professor Chris Day, will also be taking on the Great North 10k on Sunday 6 July. This year, the race route will make its way through the university campus, passing the iconic Arches and the Great North Museum before heading towards the finish line at Exhibition Park. We wish them all the best of luck!

The impact of the Newcastle University Student Fund

At Newcastle University, we are committed to ensuring every student has the chance to succeed and thrive, regardless of their background. We have a long-standing commitment to widening participation and equality of opportunity, something we are incredibly proud of.

This academic year 32% of our new intake of home students were from socio-economically challenged backgrounds, our highest percentage ever. Donations to the Newcastle University Student Fund have made schemes offering affordable meals and free period products on campus possible, alleviating some of the pressure faced by our student community.

The Fund also helps students to make the most of their time on campus, by getting involved in sports clubs and societies organised by the Students’ Union. In the past year, donations have supported Newcastle Student Radio in purchasing new equipment and residents at Bowsden Court in developing an allotment, to name just a few projects.

Find out more about the Newcastle University Student Fund >

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