THE millionth finisher of the Great North Run and North-East fundraiser Katie Cutler fired the starting pistol at one of the region's biggest road races.

Tracey Cramond, from Darlington, was joined by Katie Cutler, the 22-year-old Gateshead beautician who raised more than £300,000 for Alan Barnes, after the pensioner was mugged earlier this year.

The pair started the Great North 10k in Gateshead, which takes in the landmarks of Tyneside, before joining the race themselves and heading for the finishing line at Gateshead Stadium.

Miss Cutler, who set up the Katie Cutler Foundation and was recently awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, finished the race in 83minutes.

She said: “I got on really well. About 16 weeks ago I would not have been able to run from the bottom of the street from the top. I have been training with David Fairlamb, an excellent personal trainer. In 11 weeks I lost 37lbs and have been training religiously. It is amazing.”

The race was won by Dutch athlete Abdi Nageeye with Fionnuala McCormack as the fastest woman.

Around 5,000 people took part in the seventh staging of the sister event to the Great North Run today, including more than 200 Gurkha soldiers from Catterick Garrison.

They took part in aid of the relief fund set up following two devastating earthquakes in Nepal earlier this year.

Captain Autar Shrestha, of Gurkha Company said: “The Morrisons Great North 10k provides us with a sound platform to raise awareness of the devastating Nepal earthquakes to the local public and seek their support to help alleviate relief efforts.

“Sadly, the earthquakes have taken many thousands of innocent lives, destroyed homes and flattened ancient sites in various parts of the country.

"In such difficult times and not being able to go home, it is only natural for Nepalese people to want to help in every possible way.”

Gurkhas were also selling traditional Nepali food at the event village, in return for donations to the charity.

Captain Shrestha said: “This year we are commemorating 200 years of service to the British Crown, which means a significant history built on loyalty, trust and sacrifices of our forefathers.

“The Gurkhas sincerely honour the British public for their love and admiration received over the past 200 years.”