The Great North Run will take place this weekend with 60,000 runners taking part in the race between Newcastle and South Shields, raising millions for charity
This weekend, 60,000 runners will take on the iconic Great North Run.
The hugely popular event, which sees those taking part race between Newcastle and South Shields in the North East and raises millions of pounds for charity each year.
However, for those battling the touch 13.1 mile course, there needs to be a strong motivation to cross the finish line as they’re cheered along by the crowds lining the street.
A new survey by official beer partner for the event, Northern Monk, has revealed that first post race pint could be just the thing to spur people on to success.
And how people drink in the run up to the event also changes. Two in three said they cut down their alcohol consumption at least slightly when preparing for a physical challenge, with almost one in two saying an alcoholic beer was the first thing they most looked forward to after completing a physical challenge, and two in four associate this post challenge drink as a way to celebrate and having earned it.
In other words, the training might be about getting across the finish line, but for some, the real motivation may be waiting on the other side of it.
Russell Bisset, Founder of Northern Monk , shared: “At Northern Monk, we’ve always believed beer and an active lifestyle can sit alongside each other, and what’s interesting about this research is how people have found their own balance. Two-thirds told us they cut down on alcohol when preparing for a physical challenge, but 63% admitted they’d already thought about their first drink before they’d even finished it!
“We think that says a lot about the role that beer plays after a challenge. It’s about that moment when the hard work is done, and you can relax and celebrate with the community around you. When 84% say they enjoy a beer more after a physical challenge than on an ordinary day, it’s clear that the occasion makes the beer taste even better too.
“We also recognise that people want choice in those moments. Sometimes that’s a full-strength beer after a half marathon, and sometimes it’s something lighter after a long walk through the Dales. For us, it’s about making great beer for whatever the occasion calls for, and being a part of someone’s moment of achievement.”