By George, he's run it (From The Northern Echo)

Great North Run ever present is ready for number 31

8:00am Thursday 8th September 2011 in News By Mark Tallentire

A GRANDFATHER who has run “every one since ’81” is in training for his 31st consecutive Great North Run.

Down the years, George Nicholson, now 63, has completed the 13.1 miles of the Tyneside halfmarathon dressed as Buzz Lightyear, a clown and a teddy bear, raising thousands of pounds for charity.

Other years, he has raced to the finish line, including a personal best time of one hour 35 minutes.

He said: “It takes all types. You get top runners and fun runners.

It captures the imagination of the whole of the North-East.

“You feel the whole community turns out for you.”

This year, as each year since 2005, Mr Nicholson, of Shadforth, near Durham City, will run in memory of his granddaughter, Emily Hart, who died at the age of five, shortly before Christmas 2006, of metachromatic leukodystrophy, a rare degenerative disorder.

Along with 17 colleagues in Team Acorns, he will run in aid of Acorns Children’s Hospice, in Birmingham.

Mr Nicholson, who has raised about £10,000 for the cause since 2005, said: “We were so touched by the care they gave us. We’re aware other children need that service. That’s why we’re pushed to do as much as we can.”

Mr Nicholson, a member of Durham-based Elvet Striders running club, has completed many 10K runs, half-marathons and a full marathon. This year, the selfemployed heating salesman hopes to finish the 31st Great North Run in under two hours.

It will be held on Sunday, September 18, with 54,000 runners expected to take part.

Having been recognised by event organiser Brendan Foster, he will wear special Every One Since 81 clothing in honour of his ever-present record.

Other than Mr Nicholson, 115 people have completed every Great North Run.

The run of 2005 holds a special place in his heart, as his granddaughter was ill and he had recently recovered from a serious illness himself.

In the past year, Team Acorns has raised more than £7,000 for the hospice by completing sponsored runs, swims, hikes and more. To sponsor the team, visit justgiving.com/Team-Acorns