The 2019 Great North Run takes place 8 September and we can now introduce you to the fantastic #TeamTSA team who are taking on the challenge! The eight runners will be donning their running gear to take on the 13.1 miles from Newcastle to South Shields to raise funds for the TSA so that we can continue to support those affected by TSC.

You can learn all about the story of the team below, plus information on coming along to the event to cheer our team on!

Support the team

Inspired to donate to the #TeamTSA team? You can support all our fundraisers with a single donation here, or select an individual runner to support using the fundraising links below.

Join us on the day

We are hoping to get as many members of the TSC community along as possible on Sunday 8 September to see the team set off! Don’t worry, no experience is necessary. All you need is a willingness to support our amazing team and give them a great send off!

We will meet the afternoon before the run and at the start line, so please do let us know if you are planning to be in Newcastle on the weekend of the 7-8 September by emailing us and we will make sure you have all the details!

Meet the team: Joe Nelson

Joe, 21 is a Great North local hailing from Whitley Bay, he is taking on his first half marathon following a recent TSC diagnosis.

Why you have decided to take on the Great North Run?
Because I have always wanted to do it and since being diagnosed with TSC myself. I have investigated how underfunded treatment is for it and how many people suffer without the confidence to own it as part of them and not let it define them.

How are you finding training? Do you have any tips?
I am enjoying training greatly and have started to gradually increase the distance and pace of my running.
A tip I would give is to not dive straight into 13 miles, and instead work on shorter distances such as 7, with a view to start to increase it closer to the time. This will avoid burning out and make it a lot more enjoyable to slowly increase distance and pace.

To support Joe with his first Half Marathon, please visit his fundraising page.

Meet the team: Graeme Smith

Graeme, from Derby was unable to take part in 2018 due to injury, but he is back in his running shoes and ready to take up his deferred place and complete the 13.1 miles this year.

Why you have decided to take on the Great North Run?
I know the amazing work the TSA does, and I wanted to support this by taking on a challenge. Sadly, I picked up an injury in 2018 so couldn’t take part as planned, however my family and friends generously let me keep the donations I had raised, and I deferred my place to 2019!

How are you finding training? Do you have any tips!
Following last year’s injury, I’ve been taking my taking very steady and listening to my body and making sure I don’t overdo it! That’s the best tip I can offer!

To support Graeme, please visit his fundraising page.

Meet the team: Ken Welby

Ken is travelling all the way from Oxford to take on the world’s largest half marathon for the TSA.

Why you have decided to take on the Great North Run?

I am running for my nephew Alistair, and for all those whose lives are impacted by Tuberous Sclerosis Complex. I like to run, and this is a great way to challenge myself and support a great cause.

How are you finding training? Do you have any tips?

I am finding training ok; however, we could do with a few drier days! The only tip I can give is to stay hydrated while training and if it’s your first Great North Run soak up the support of the crowds and the TSA supporters they will push you on!

To support Kenneth’s journey on behalf of his nephew, please visit his fundraising page.

Meet the team: Daniel Marks

Daniel, 41, from Tiptree, Essex ran the Virgin London Marathon in April and was bitten by the running bug so is now joining Great North Run #TeamTSA!

Why you have decided to take on the Great North Run?

My daughter was diagnosed with TSC in 2015 at 4 months old. Since then I have taken every opportunity to continue to increase awareness of TSC as well as raising much needed funds for TSA. The TSA provides amazing support to individuals and families and their medical research is invaluable.

How are you finding training? Do you have any tips?

Training for the marathon was tough especially in the cold weather, but I was helped along by my son Buddy who has been running or cycling with me. After the marathon I wanted a new challenge to keep me training and the Great North Seemed perfect, so I plan to put in a lot more miles over the coming months to prepare me for the big day!

Help Daniel with this new challenge by visiting his fundraising page.

Meet the team: James Black

James from Wetherby, West Yorkshire, wants to give back following the support his family have received from the TSA!

Why you have decided to take on the Great North Run?

In brief, we have a son Noah who is now 15 months old and was diagnosed with TSC when he was just 3 months old. We have had a lot of support from the TSA and would now like to give something back, I have also roped Noah’s Auntie Katie in!

How are you finding training? Do you have any tips?

In terms of training – finding it challenging but enjoyable – both the dogs and myself are getting fitter with the running – top tip – less beer !!

You can support James on his mission to support the TSA by visiting his fundraising page.

Meet the team: Katie Plowman

Katie from Wetherby, West Yorkshire, is aiming to raise over £1000 in honour of her Nephew!

Why you have decided to take on the Great North Run?
I am also running for Noah who is my nephew who was diagnosed with TS2 just over year ago, his dad (James) and I are both taking on the GNR for the TSA! I hope to raise substantial sponsorship for a cause that is very close to my heart!

How are you finding training? Do you have any tips?
I’ve found  running in the gym and also outside has helped improve my fitness & endurance and stretching before and after a run, helps with sore muscles the next day!

You can support Katie by visiting her fundraising page.

Meet the team: Mikaela Conlin-Hulme

The TSA’s very own Head of income Generation Mikaela is joining the team following being successful in the public ballot!

Why you have decided to take on the Great North Run?
I think fate decided for me! After seeing one of our own twitter posts (@UKTSA) suggesting people entered the public ballot for the Great North Run to increase the number of #TeamTSA runners, I thought I’d give it a go! I foolishly assumed my chances would be the same as it is with my lottery numbers…. So, imagine my surprise when I was ‘LUCKY’ enough to get a place!

How are you finding training? Do you have any tips!
Training is going very slowly – in fact its barely started! I have done the Great North before, albeit when I was much fitter, so I know I just have to keep slowly increasing the distance I go each week!
The best tip I have was given to me by a supporter and that is to make sure you do a long run in your kit before the big day to make sure it doesn’t rub and don’t make any last-minute changes no matter what the weather! See you all at the start line!

Support the TSA’s very own Mikaela by visiting her fundraising page.

Inspired to take on your own challenge?

Visit our challenge page to find an event local to you, or email us and we can help you find your own way to support the TSA without running 13.1 miles!