Chris Kamara completed the Great North Run on Sunday, finishing the half marathon in 2 hours 34 minutes alongside his son Jack and longtime TV co-star Ben Shephard. The 68-year-old Sky Sports presenter shared an emotional social media post after crossing the finish line.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, Chris posted an image of himself and Ben at the finish line, writing: "We did it. 2hours 34mins for 13.1 miles."
"Big thanks to the people of Newcastle and Sunderland. You made it a day to remember for me @benshephard & my boy Jack."
Emotional finish and health battle
In the immediate aftermath of the race, Chris said: "When I got to the line I really couldn't believe it and then my legs couldn't believe it either and then they collapsed below me. It was so emotional getting around that track."
He went on: "I'm back. I know I'm not really back, but I am back yeah." He also explained the severity of his condition, saying: "I had apraxia of speech, a brain injury."
"So, the message from the brain to the mouth is interrupted. So, sometimes you can't speak, or you speak slower." Chris had to relearn how to run after being diagnosed with apraxia, a neurological condition affecting his speech, balance and movement. He previously admitted keeping the diagnosis a secret from his family and struggled during lockdown.
Ben Shephard's tribute
Following the race, Ben said: "We flipping did it! I can't tell you how awesome Chris was - he couldn't really run three weeks ago and he's just conquered his Everest."
"Very, very emotional experience. He had to dig deep for the last few miles but refused to give in. He's my superhero. Thanks to everyone who cheered, messaged, made signs - you made it purely belter!"
Prior to the run, Ben told the Mirror: "I hadn’t really fully appreciated it, but he’s had to teach himself how to run again."
"He had to work out how to walk really carefully but he hadn’t done any running. He set this challenge, and he’s worked incredibly hard at re-patterning running into his physiology."
"Kammy’s life was as a professional sportsman, so his body was his business. Being physically fit and healthy as an elite sportsman, to suddenly have your health and your body changing in a way where it alters how you have to live and work – that has a huge impact on your identity."
Fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK
The money raised by the pair after completing the feat will be given to Prostate Cancer UK. It comes after Ben's father was diagnosed with the disease. Followers were quick to join in the celebrations, hailing Chris a "legend" in their responses.
