ANDY Burnham is taking part in the world’s most famous half-marathon today – becoming the first serving PM to do so.
The Labour leader – fittingly donning the Number 10 bib – is among 63,000 entrants to compete in this year’s Great North Run, with the event celebrating its 45th anniversary.
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He is joined by the likes of famous faces Jake Quickenden, Joe Wicks, Chris Kamara, Ben Shepherd, Joe McElderry, Helen Skelton and Peter Reid – with England and Newcastle defender Dan Burn acting as official race starter.
Keen distance runner Burnham, 56, is said to pound the pavement five times a week, and has done so for more than 20 years.
The dad-of-three, originally from Aintree, Lancashire, has previously taken part in the London and Boston marathons, and was a frequent participant in the Great Manchester Run 10K.
Burnham has also done the Great North Run before, completing the 13.1-mile route in 1:55:24 two years ago.
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He then headed straight to the pub with his medal for a post-race pint.
It comes after he was playfully mocked on last night’s Saturday Night Live UK – with comedian George Fouracres playing him in the episode’s opening skit.
Appearing alongside Prince Harry and Meghan, he said: “I’m the new PM and I’m nothing like the last one.
“Harry, Meghan, I’m here to tell you just because you’re normal folk, doesn’t mean your life has to be c***. That is the Burnham promise.”
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The PM is raising money for Changing Lives, which supports over 14,000 people each year facing the challenges of homelessness.
Ahead of the race, he posted a video from the starting line to Instagram encouraging people to donate, and wrote: “Wish me luck!”
He wrote on his fundraising page: “I’m running the 45th Great North Run for Changing Lives because I’ve seen the difference they make with my own eyes.
“A few weeks back I visited Alex’s Place in Newcastle to launch our drive to offer everyone a route off the streets by Christmas.
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“I sat down with residents over a cup of tea and heard what it actually takes to rebuild a life once you’ve lost everything – not just a roof, but people who stick with you while you find your feet again.
“That’s what Changing Lives does. Tackling homelessness is a moral mission for me.
“It’s why I promised to end rough sleeping on my first day as PM, and why I’m proud to pull on a Changing Lives shirt today.
“If you can spare a few quid, please chip in and support them.”
He has also pledged to donate 15% of his own salary for the cause.
The GNR takes place in the North East of England, starting in Newcastle upon Tyne and finishing in South Shields.
Footie star Burn, whose Newcastle side face Leeds in the Premier League tomorrow night, said: “It’s an honour to be starting the Great North Run on the milestone 45th occasion.
“I’m so excited to see all 63,000 of you on Sunday. I’d like to wish everyone running all the best of luck.”
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Burn – who appeared for the Three Lions at this summer’s World Cup – will be hoping to avoid the treatment former Toon manager Eddie Howe received in 2023 when he was the official race starter.
He naively failed to anticipate the number of Sunderland fans also taking part, who taunted him as they passed the starting podium.