TV's Dr Alex George finds Great North Run proves just the tonic even on a rainy day

Dr Alex George at the AJ Bell Great North Run 2024 finish line
-Credit: (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)


TV personality Dr Alex George had an important message for fans ahead of taking part in the Great North Run in Newcastle - and then he was even more inspirational at the finish line in South Shields when he was delighted to clock up a personal best time.

The former A&E doctor and Love Island contestant is now a youth mental health ambassador, with a popular podcast, and at the start line of Sunday's half-marathon he shared how running had made a difference to his own mental health. The 33-year-old was already loving his first visit to Newcastle, having spent the previous night in the city looking around and eating pasta at Babucho restaurant.

"I'm really excited to be here," he said, adding that people he'd met had been "so lovely". All set for action, he was keen to spread a positive message about the benefits of fresh air and exercise.

"It's all about the feeling and mental side for me. I couldn't run a year and a half ago," he said, adding that he had been 21 stones but has lost seven stones in weight and gradually built up his running.

For him, it's all about the mind and the benefits of being outdoors in nature and he wants to help people to "live happily and as healthily and mentally fit as they possibly can". He said: "I started the podcast because I believed that being outside and moving, whether it's walking, power walking or running, it's great for your mental health."

And, as if to prove the point, he went on to bag a personal best time at the Great North Run. Crossing the finish line in 1hr 50, he called it "unbelievable" and added: "It means so much."

He said that before he changed his life he would not have thought this possible. He liked the fact that spirits around him were high despite the rain and said that when you're in the depths of difficulty, it's the little glimmers of hope and the voice saying 'you can do this' than make the difference in being able to overcome challenges. "I'm so happy," he said.

READ MORE: Great North Runners cross the Tyne Bridge in 65 foggy, soggy but gloriously uplifting photos