North East Vegan Runners were out in force as the world’s biggest half marathon returned to their doorstep.

More than 20 club members took part in the 2016 Great North Run as the Newcastle VR group were joined by Vegan Runners from Scotland, Lancashire, Yorkshire and elsewhere in the country on the famous 13.1mile route to South Shields.

From left: Elaine Banks, Ray Flanagan, Chris Bryson, Abi Suter, Kerri Turner, Rosie Frater, Ross Robertson and Bob Neill

Family, friends and other members also travelled to cheer on the VRUK crew as they followed champion Mo Farah’s footsteps to the coast.

The half marathon wasn’t a big enough challenge for VR Newcastle member Bob Neill, who “warmed up” by running the three miles from his home to the start line at a pace of 7.27mins per mile.

Bob, who came first the Clennell Trail Run Ultramarathon just last month, went on to complete the GNR course in one hour and 25 minutes.

From left: Ian Minto, Rosie Frater, Chris Bryson, Zak Illingworth, Elaine Banks, Colleen Walker, Kerri Turner, Richard Twine and Ross Robertson

Newcastle contact Kerri Turner and member Rosie Frater organised meet-ups at both the start and the end of the race to make Great North Run day also a great social event for members.

A good piece of photo-bombing at the start line saw Vegan Runners vests featuring prominently on TV coverage.

After a rehydration session in the New Crown Hotel at the finish, the runners headed back to Newcastle for vegan pizza.

However, a fire alarm at Zizzi saw Team Vegan refuelling on curry at vegan-friendly Indian restaurant Ury on the Quayside instead.

By Ross Robertson

From left: Bob Neill, Elaine Banks, Kerri Turner, Ross Robertson, Richard Twine, Ian Minto, Colleen Walker, Abi Suter and Rosie Frater