THE Great North Run was given an enthusiastic thumbs-up from North and East Yorkshire runners who took part in the gruelling race.

Despite aching limbs and sore feet the 13.1 mile race, which took place on Tyneside yesterday, was declared a "fantastic experience" after attracting more than 45,000 runners, including 120 from York.

Hannah Dunsire of Copmanthorpe, York celebrated her 17th birthday yesterday by running with her father Keith, raising around £700 for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

Hannah's brother Paul, who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, was there to watch them finish in two hours and 18 minutes.

Mr Dunsire said: "It was a great day, it was excellently organised and the weather was great.

"It was a different birthday for Hannah, but I think she enjoyed the experience."

Linda and Mags Vandepeear, of Full Sutton, ran in memory of their son Alexander who died after spending 110 days at the York Special Care Baby Unit.

Mrs Vandepeear said she was thrilled to finish the race in 2 hours 10 minutes and raise £250 for the unit in the process.

She said: "I had an Achilles tendon injury so I just hoped to get round, and I ran a good race for me.

"It was a good day and lovely weather for it."

Nigel Brown, from Temple Garth, Copmanthorpe, took the opportunity to campaign for the release of deaf charity worker Ian Stillman who was jailed in India for cannabis possession.

Mr Brown wore a T-shirt with the logo Free Ian Stillman on the front and Ian Stillman is Innocent on the back.

The Evening Press has been campaigning for Mr Stillman's release after he was denied a sign language translator at this trial, effectively excluding him from taking any part.

Mr Brown, who finished in two hours and six minutes, said his T-shirt attracted some attention.

He said: "One or two people asked me about it and a reporter from a Newcastle newspaper also asked about it, so it was a fantastic response.

"The atmosphere at the race was really good and it was super day, I am really glad I did it.

"We want to keep on drawing attention to Ian's fate by whatever means we can."

Updated: 10:47 Monday, October 07, 2002