On Sunday 8th September 2024, Anthony Johnson, the owner of driveJohnson’s, drove all the way up to Newcastle. He went with his two biggest fans, Carla and Freya, to run the Great North Run, the largest half marathon in the world, with over 60,000 runners taking part.
He was running for his favourite charity, Young Lives Vs Cancer.
Just one month earlier, Anthony lost his mum to lung cancer. That’s both of his parents gone to the dreaded C word. Unfortunately, he didn’t have much time to train for this event, but cancelling or not turning up wasn’t on the agenda.
It was a very rainy day, but the support and atmosphere were incredible.
He ran the race in a respectable 2 hours and 2 minutes. Anthony’s goal was to finish in around 2 hours.
Anthony said the following: ‘It’s been a tough year, especially the last few months with my mum passing and her funeral being last week.
I’m very grateful I had my parents up to the age of 50 and 78; everyone wants more, but as my dad always used to say, “Happiness is being grateful.” I will continue to follow his outlook on life!
Cancer is a terrible disease at any age, but suffering from it as a child or young adult has got to be the worst. I couldn’t let the charity down. The YLVC team is so nice and supportive, it makes it even more worthwhile.
I couldn’t believe the size of the crowds around the racecourse. The support was amazing, especially in the pouring rain. Thank you Newcastle and South Shields, and thank you to my wife and Freya for being there to support me.
Lastly, thank you to everyone who checked in on me this year when my mum was unwell and when she passed too.’
On another note, Anthony has more runs coming up this year: the Robin Hood Half Marathon, Stevenage Half Marathon, Hertfordshire Half Marathon and the MK Half Marathon. Luck must be on his side, as he also got into the London Marathon 2025 via ballot too.
Anthony added, ‘I know we have some instructors who like running; if you fancy joining me on any of these half marathon runs, just drop me a message and we can meet up on the day.’
