DON’T worry if you weren’t successful in the Great North Run public ballot because a pioneering North-East charity still has places available.

North East Autism Society (NEAS) is offering places in the world’s favourite half-marathon for runners committed to fundraise for the charity.

This year’s Great North Run marks the event’s 40th anniversary, corresponding with NEAS’s own 40th birthday celebrations, and the charity is optimistic 40 NEAS Great North Runners will sign up to mark the occasion.

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Fundraiser, Sophie Clarke, said: “If you’ve been unlucky in the ballot, get in touch with us immediately! We still have places available for runners with a desire to support the vital care that NEAS provides all across our region.

“Everyone at NEAS is very excited to share our 40th anniversary year with the Great North Run. It’s an iconic North-East event, and as a leading North-East charity, NEAS is the perfect choice for anyone with ambition to use their run to do some good.”

The public ballot for places closed on Sunday, February 9, but NEAS is encouraging anyone who wants to run for the charity to get in touch – whether you’ve already secured a place or not.

Sophie added: “Our limited number of charity places are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t hesitate to give us a ring.”

Charity places cost £50 each, and runners are tasked with attempting to raise £400 each – ten pounds for each year the Society has been there to support North-East families.

For more information on running the Great North Run for the North East Autism Society, visit www.ne-as.org.uk/Event/greatnorthrun2020.

The Great North Run is just one of the exciting, engaging events that NEAS will be celebrating during its 40th anniversary.

Limited places are also available at Mad March Mare – a much dirtier challenge! Runners will tackle a muddy 10km course and battle past 35 obstacles at Hexham Racecourse on Saturday, February 29.

For those who really like to feel their adrenaline spiking, NEAS’s bravest supporter will be doing a sponsored skydive on Saturday, April 4.

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If that’s a bit much for you, the annual Walk for Autism promises a much more sedate, but no less enjoyable, way to support the charity.

For a full calendar of NEAS events in 2020, visit www.ne-as.org.uk/Pages/Events/Category/our-events.

Anyone interested in taking part in any of NEAS’s events – or indeed anyone wishing to organise their own – is asked to contact Sophie Clarke on 01914 109 974.