A HEXHAM resident was selected to run her final 400 meters of a half-marathon with an athletics legend to mark the 40th anniversary of the Great North Run.

Catriona Mulligan was amongst the 40 lucky individuals selected to complete the final part of their solo half-marathon that have been help celebrate the occasions and she was able to complete her run alongside the event’s founder Sir Brendan Foster in South Shields.

After only finding out about the event on Friday, Catriona had to quickly complete a half-marathon over the weekend ahead of finishing her run alongside Sir Brendan on Monday morning.

“Every one of my half-marathons has been special but the run this morning was truly memorable,” said the delighted Catriona after competing the challenge alongside Sir Brendan.

“Sir Brendan has put the north-east of England on the world running map with the Great North Run. And Jennifer Lapping, founder of ‘Jog on the Tyne’, with the wonderful philosophy of ‘it’s not about the pace it’s the smile on your face that counts’ has touched so many people locally.

“Both these running heroes are a great inspiration to me – and many others besides.

“Bring on the next Great North Run Brendan! We are all behind you!”

The Great North Run is expected to take place on September 12, much to the delight of runners around the North East.