We won't run out of support for you.

It’s one of our favourite dates in the Sunshine Calendar, and last year was one of our best yet!

On Saturday 7th September 2019, 60 members of Team Mini Sunshine ran, walked and wheeled the Mini and Junior Great North Run making us the proudest charity in the North East! We want to grow our 2020 team to raise even more awareness of children with disabilities in our region.

Team Mini Sunshine is the opportunity for many of our Sunshine Children to take part in a mainstream sporting event where their disability does not prevent them from having fun and being like any other child. We are always bursting with pride to see so many of our children cross the finish line in what was a truly inspirational and emotional day.

Unfortunately, this year Great North Run have chosen to not release any charity places for this year’s Mini and Junior 2020, meaning that our process has changed for taking part this year. Please see the organisers statement below:

" The Junior and Mini Great North run has become a very popular event and as a result we are now inundated with requests from many charities to secure guaranteed places in advance of the events being opened for general sale. In light of this demand, and in order to be fair to all, we are no longer able to set aside any guaranteed places for charities."

We are disappointed with this outcome; however, we are still planning on making #TeamMiniSunshine bigger and better than ever this year. With this change in mind, we are now asking parents to register your children yourselves and we're going to help you every step of the way.

Step One - Dates for your Diary.

This year the run will take place on Saturday 12th September 2020.

Entries for both age groups will go on general release on the website in February. The Junior Great North run event will open first, Tuesday 18 February with the Mini Great North run opening a week later, Tuesday 25 February. You can sign up on the GNR website.

Step Two -Reminder Service

Runners can register for the reminder service and they will receive an email when entries open directly on the GNR website. You can also follow our handy countdown on our website and we'll be making sure you're kept up to date on our social media pages too.

Step Three - Sign Up!

Make sure you have all runners details ready and your credit card to hand to secure your spot(s). The race is open to 3-16 year olds and all mini spots are for between 3-8 year olds and Junior spots are for 9-16 year olds. As always, the race will be accessible to all and we can't wait to see our Sunshine children cross that finish line.

Step Four - Let us know you’re part of #TeamMiniSunshine

Send us an email, message us on social media or give us a call and let us know you have your spot. We will add you to our database, so we know you’re taking part. All Team Mini Sunshine participants will get access to our exclusive VIP zone, situated on the quayside. We also have a special "quiet tent" for those participants that may feel a bit overwhelmed, ensuring everyone feels safe and comfortable on the day. Each participant will receive a T-shirt, certificate and treats on the day.

We understand that this may not be the news you would be hoping for, but we strongly believe that this won't stop us from ensuring that 2020 will be our biggest and best year yet and we can't wait to see you all there.

Katie x