I ABSOLUTELY agree with Evelyn Thompson of Crook (HAS, Sept 12) that the news media does give too much coverage to celebrity runners in the Great North Run, who take part for their own glorification.

These athletes have done this country, as well as themselves, proud in their personal achievements in winning Olympic medals and other events as well.

But these annual events, like the London Marathon, are about the different people from all walks of life from different parts of the country who practise really hard to be able to participate. They are able and partly disabled people, as well as children, who, in their courage, make thousands of pounds for various charities, and are proud to do so.

These people are my heroes, so I say: “God bless them all.”

Roland Bramham, Richmond