Newcastle scientist aims for Great North Run world record

NEWCASTLE CANCER-FIGHTING SCIENTIST AIMS FOR GREAT NORTH RUN WORLD RECORD

A NEWCASTLE chemist, who works to develop new cancer drugs, is aiming to set a new world record at this year’s Great North Run, for the fastest half marathon by a female dressed as a scientist.

Dr Hannah Stewart, 32, is a Senior Research Associate in the Cancer Research UK Drug Discovery Centre based at Newcastle University.

Hannah, who lives in Jesmond after moving to Newcastle six years ago following her PhD in Organic Chemistry at the University of Cambridge, works to discover new novel treatments for cancers that are resistant to current cancer treatments, and to find more effective and kinder medicines.

The Guinness World Records has given the chemist a 90-minute cut off time to complete the attempt at this year’s AJ Bell Great North Run, with other strict guidelines to adhere to.

To be successful, Hannah must run in a lab coat, trousers, gloves, science glasses and carry a piece of apparatus, of which she has chosen a measuring cylinder. She must also provide evidence from two witnesses that she passes each mile marker on the course.

Hannah said: “It’s taken quite a lot of planning to get to the start line and I’ve got lots of support coming along to make sure I can provide the necessary evidence for completing the run. I’ll have people at each mile taking a picture to submit to the Guinness World Records.”

She didn’t anticipate there to be a cut off time, but is still hopeful she can do it as her personal best half marathon time is 1 hr 24 minutes, although that was much less challenging without a lab coat!.

This year Hannah is one of nine chemists from the Cancer Research UK Drug Discovery Centre taking part in the AJ Bell Great North Run, all raising money for the charity.

Hannah said: “As a team we are always looking for ways to fundraise for Cancer Research UK and I thought this was a unique, eye-catching approach. Like everyone, my family has been affected by cancer and I’m keen, in my work and fundraising, to help do something that will impact lots of lives and make a mark on the bigger picture.

“The Drug Discovery Centre and Newcastle are incredible places to work. With such a huge amount of talent. Seeing the progress that’s being made it’s hard not to get involved and want to do more to help the cause. I can’t wait to get out on the course and see the wonderful crowds line the roads.”  

This isn’t the first time the team at the Cancer Research UK Drug Discovery Centre has taken on a big challenge to raise money. The team has so far raised over £33,000 through their own fundraising efforts.

From bake sales, a pub quiz, fancy dress days and various running challenges, the group made up of chemists, biologists and pharmacologists have all done their bit to try raise money for the charity, which helps fund their life-saving work.

Projects have contributed to the discovery of two registered cancer medicines with a further two other drugs currently under evaluation in clinical trials.

Dr Suzannah Harnor, Senior Research Associate, said: “Our research would not be possible without the funding we receive from Cancer Research UK. We admire the generosity shown by members of the public who fundraise for the charity and as researchers, we like to do our bit by raising some money as well.

“We take part in and organise many events and not only does it keep us fit, it’s fun and great for team building. But more than anything, we do it all for a very worthy cause. We can’t wait to cheer on our colleagues and runners supporting Cancer Research UK in the Great North Run this weekend, which starts right alongside our labs.”

Every year in the North East, around 17,600 people are diagnosed with cancer.* Across the UK more people are surviving than ever before, but the number of cases is increasing year on year – underlining the need to help fund and accelerate new discoveries and breakthroughs.

The AJ Bell Great North Run, taking place on Sunday 8 September 2024, is the world’s biggest and best half marathon, with 60,000 runners taking on the 13.1-mile route from Newcastle to South Shields.

In 2021 Gower Tan, a fundraiser running for Cancer Research UK, broke the world record for the fastest half marathon dressed as a scientist (male). He achieved his record of one hour, 30 minutes and 37 seconds at his 8th Great North Run on September 12, 2021. The record has since been broken by a chemist at Queen's University Belfast.

Lisa Millett, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the North East, said: “There’s still time for anyone who has secured their own place in the Great North Run, to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

“Taking part isn’t about being first over the finish line, it’s about helping our scientists go further and faster in the fight against cancer. In the last 50 years, we’ve helped double survival in the UK. That adds up to millions more precious moments for people affected by this devastating disease and their families. Now we’re urging supporters in Newcastle to step up and help power more progress. Together, we are beating cancer.”

To sponsor the team, visit their Cancer Research UK's fundraising page.

Last modified: Thu, 05 Sep 2024 16:28:36 BST