Just as February has started, this year’s Great North Run ballot has been and gone and whether you have got a place in the run, or you have just missed out, there is a place for you on this year’s Dream Team.

Every year thousands of people have the decision to make, which charity do I run for? Seriously, this year there is no question as we are providing the best running experience for runners no matter your ability. Some people may already have ballot places which are great and you can still join our team and raise money for a great cause.

So what’s going to be different this year?

Dragonfly Running Team

This year’s big change is that we are going to introduce the dragonfly running team (how on earth did we come up with that name?!) This way if you are struggling with training, or simply want some company on those lonely late night 10km runs, the running team can be there for you.

We will also have a running leader board so we can all compete to see who has clocked the most miles and they will receive a special shout-out on the blog.

Training tops

Looking for some new colourful gear for your training run? Look no further than here! We will be offering training tops to our dragonfly runners so you can support the charity with pride when you hit the tarmac in the months leading up to the run.

Support along the way

That’s right, it’s not just your Auntie Julia who will be cheering you on along the way. We plan to have some volunteers along the route in order to keep you striding on, even when your toenail falls off (…speaking from experience, you will need all the help you can get at this point!)

Funky fundraising pack

This will include all the help you will need to reach this year’s goal of £350. The trick is to start early, get in there before everyone else… it will take the pressure off you so you can enjoy the lead up to the run. We will also include a dragonfly badge so you can show everyone that you are running for a fantastic cause this year.

This incredible blog!

Courtesy of yours truly, you will be receiving weekly articles all about running and everything Great North Run in order to keep you motivated and entertained …probably.

A tent

No, it’s not the sort of tent you went camping in the lakes in as a child, this tent will be full of support and smiles once you have finished your run. Plus there will be lots of treats to get your sugar levels back up.

Knowing you are making a big difference.

The money you raise will have an incredible effect on young people’s lives across the UK, and since we are a smaller charity, every pound and every penny will make such a difference.

Imagine you are a young person and you are told you have limited time left to spend time with your family and friends, and you don’t have the money to enjoy that one dream you have, whether it’s driving a fast car or having a ride in a helicopter. You can help these dreams come true. The fundraising you do will make priceless memories for young people and families across the UK. The sky’s the limit, keep running and try and raise as much as you possibly can.