What a Sunday! While thousands of runners were pounding the streets at the Great North Run, a small team of GoodGym cheer champions were out waving, clapping, whooping, and generally making as much joyful noise as possible.

Armed with the signature red t-shirts, a snazzy new cap and a mighty stash of jelly babies, we set up at our cheering spot just before mile 7 ready to give runners that extra boost when their legs were starting to protest. The sugar hit went down a storm – jelly babies are basically race-day rocket fuel!

The highlight? Spotting our fellow GoodGymers among the sea of vests and bibs – we even got a shout-out from the sea of runners. Nothing beats that moment of recognition and knowing the cheers are landing exactly where they’re needed.

From first-timers to seasoned marathoners, the energy on the course was electric, and it was a real privilege to add our voices to the chorus pushing everyone to the finish line.

Well done to every single runner who smashed the miles, and ate our sweets this weekend. Same time next year? Absolutely!

Tonight's task was a litter pick, as two GoodGymers headed off towards Byker. The intention was to head on to Heaton, but we discovered possibly the most littered place in Newcastle, and possibly the world. A 30 metre stretch of path near Byker KFC managed to fill eight bin liners, mostly with cans and other drinks containers. There was also a lot of evidence of Greggs and KFC customers.

Filling eight bags with litter from such a small area was incredible. Especially since it took two of us less than half an hour. There was a bonus child car seat plus a couple of plastic car wheel covers, all of which we also deposited in bins. A real difference was made tonight. It was nice to receive thank yous from a couple of members of the public tonight too.

Short on volunteers this week as a lot of the team and volunteer crew were taking part or cheering at the actual Great North Run today but it was still a great run in the north this morning!

I brought along the family - two new first time runners and 3 new volunteers!

Another successful Saturday at Greenhill Allotments, as two GoodGymers set to work clearing a plot of weeds and other random things like glass jars and bits of garden tools. The mattock was put to good use on the hard ground. One thing Greenhill Allotments has is a good variety of tools. Today's other tool of the day was a nameless one has lots of pointy bits that you stick in the ground and twist, wrapping the weeds around the end.

Check out the before and after photographs. It'll probably take one more visit to clear the rest of the plot, hopefully after it has rained a bit to soften the ground.

On a pleasant Monday evening, two GoodGymers set off from Stepney Bank Stables for a Quayside litter pick. Six bags were successfully filled. The only mishap of the day was a wine glass cutting through the bag and into Richard's knee. Thankfully the GoodGym first aid kit was at hand!

A great day today tailwalking behind 44 junior parkrunners on the 100th event!

Great to see so many people and volunteers!

We’re short next week so if anyone is free to attend, it would be great to see you!