Jo Whiley ecstatic after Bupa Great North Run finish
I don’t think Jo Whiley ran in the running wellies she wore at Glastonbury; in fact, I’m guessing definitely not seeing as she finished in 2:05 despite being injured. Hardcore. The official blurb is below.
Jo Whiley was celebrating the biggest physical achievement of her life as she braved injury to complete the world’s largest half marathon – the Bupa Great North Run – on Sunday 15th September. The run was the famous presenter’s first ever half marathon and despite a muscle tear in her calf she crossed the finish line in South Shields in an impressive time of 2 hours 5 minutes.
Lining up alongside Jo and 55,000 other runners was her inspirational training partner Susan Spence who completed the race in 2 hours 13 minutes. The mother from Northamptonshire had won a competition via the Bupa Running Facebook page to be Jo’s running partner and train with her ahead of the big day. Amongst hundreds of entries, Jo had personally selected Susan who had taken up running in February 2013 following her eldest son’s diagnosis with Asperger Syndrome.
Throughout their training the duo received expert advice from Bupa sports physiotherapist and a dietician. Jo in particular required several sessions with a Bupa sports physiotherapist and Sports Doctor, following an injury to her calf muscle in the lead up to the run. Luckily, much to her delight, the Bupa experts declared her fit to run.
Jo Whiley was ecstatic on completing the iconic 13.1 mile course: “Wow, what a day! I have never experienced an atmosphere like it, you can’t fail but to be inspired by the people you line up alongside and their stories. I’m really grateful for Bupa’s help, particularly in the last couple of weeks where their team of experts have made sure I had the best possible treatment on my calf and was able to run. This experience has certainly inspired me to stay fit and active going forwards.”
To view exclusive post run content from Jo and Susan visit the Bupa Running Facebook page.