Katie to help kick off 10k race as she's drafted in to lead warm up

Apprentice star Katie Bulmer-Cooke is returning to the Great North 10k next month July to warm up the thousands of runners who are taking on the North East’s biggest race of tis kind.

Personal trainer Katie, who found fame on BBC’s The Apprentice in 2014, will warm up the 5,000 strong crowd who will take on the scenic route around the Newcastle and Gateshead quaysides.

She will then run the 10k event herself as part of her training for the Great North Run this September, where she hopes to complete her personal best of 1 hour 50 minutes.

Katie, from Sunderland, said: “This event is so accessible in terms of location and transport links for so many people in the North East, it’s almost a crime if you don’t take part.

“If we want to be fitter and healthier as a region and change the national perception of the North East, then we’ve got to get out there, move more and just give new things a try.

“It’s a great buzz to be able to warm up a crowd of over 5,000 people, especially in the North East.

“Our region often gets a lot of bad press regarding poor health and physical activity stats but this shows there is a lot to be celebrated.

“For me, the Great North 10k Gateshead and the fact that thousands of people turn out and take part is a huge reason to cheer.”

The run will be held on Sunday, July 3, and will this year include the Great North 10k Family Mile and Great North 10k Toddler Dash, designed for children up to 15-years-old to enjoy getting active.

Katie, who works hard to get families across the North East more active, gained a wealth of experience from the show and has offered a few tips for those who want to push themselves to achieve their goals.

There are still limited places available for the runs.

To enter either race visit www.greatrun.org/north10k