We are the GNR: Barry “Usingh Bolt” Sing Cheema

For 44 years the Great North Run has been powered by ordinary people doing extraordinary things. These are the stories that define the GNR stories of strength, determination, and courage. Every individual has a story but together they are the Great North Run.

Among the 60,000 runners pounding the streets from Newcastle to South Shield this year, is Barinderjit Singh Cheema better known to many as Barry AKA Usingh Bolt. Originally from Gateshead but now living in Walsall, Barry will be returning to his North East roots this September to take on his 14th AJ Bell Great North Run.

But this year is different. This year is bigger.

Barry is taking on the GNR as part of his boldest challenge yet to complete 50 x 50K runs before he turns 50. That’s one 50K almost every week for a year with some weeks doubling up to squeeze in even more.

“I turn 50 on 1st November 2025,” he explains. “I started the challenge on my 49th birthday – 50 x 50Ks before I hit 50. The Great North Run might be shorter than 50K, but as a proud Geordie, there was no way I could miss it. It had to be in there.”

“I grew up on the GNR,” he says. “It’s part of who I am. There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere, the support, the party at the end. If you’re only going to do one half marathon in your life, this has to be the one.”

Barry’s inspiration? The Teenage Cancer Trust. As a longstanding charity partner of his employer Aldi, and having seen the incredible work they do, Barry was motivated to dedicate this year-long feat to them – and the young people they support.

“I’m inspired by everyone that runs,” he says. “From Olympians to park runners, every runner has a story. I’m especially inspired by those doing their first race, and by runners older than me – proving that age is no boundary to doing great things.”

The numbers behind Barry’s challenge are as impressive as the determination it takes: over 2,500 kilometres of running across a single year, including major events like the Tokyo Marathon, his 11th Great Birmingham Run, and of course, the AJ Bell Great North Run. He’s aiming to raise as close to £50,000 as possible – a pound for every kilometre.

And this isn’t his first big feat. In 2022 he ran 31 marathons in 31 days. In 2023, 4,602 miles. “This challenge is my last big one,” he says, “so I want to go out with a bang.”
Barry’s message to anyone considering their first Great North Run?

“Do it! You’ll never regret it. It’s a celebration of everything great about running, and about the North East. You’ll be cheered the whole way round by thousands of strangers. There’s a real party atmosphere.”

Barry will be near the end of his epic year-long mission when he crosses the finish line in South Shields this September. But his story – and the impact he’s making – will keep going well beyond the finish line.

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