CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who took part in the 34th Great North Run.

You all contributed to a great occasion and raised your fitness levels – especially if you trained for it.

I ran the first 25 Great North Runs.

But sadly I cannot run now due to the general wear and tear on my knees.

Now I walk, cycle and swim to keep fit instead.

One man who should certainly be remembered by all the participants is the Olympic gold medallist Chris Brasher, who was founder of the London Marathon.

The London event preceded the Great North Run by several months and showed what could be done.

I am immensely proud to have run the first of both these iconic events in 1981.

Chris Foote-Wood, Darlington.