A message for the Great North Runners | nexus.org.uk

Yesterday was a very challenging day for everyone, with the extreme weather causing significant issues for both the road and rail network around South Shields. 

I’d like to thank the thousands of runners and their family and friends for their patience and understanding while they were trying to get home.

Not only did we experience a flash flood that swept through South Shields Interchange forcing it to be evacuated and to temporarily close, the Metro tunnel at Tyne Dock and the surrounding roads were also completely underwater. This meant we had to stop the Metro service for an hour and a half while we dealt with the flooding. 

My heart goes out to all of the runners, it was a horrible situation for everyone. I spoke to many people who had been queuing and I’d like to thank them once again for remaining calm, supportive, and working with us during very difficult circumstances.

Dealing with this situation required an amazing team effort. Our team of employees and volunteers, our partners at Stadler, the Tyne and Wear Fire Service, South Tyneside Police and St John’s Ambulance all worked together to get trains running again, to direct crowds and provide support to those who were tired, weary and vulnerable. I’d like to sincerely thank everyone for their tenacity, energy and positivity throughout. 

A lot of planning goes into supporting the Great North Run. Our usual Metro and Ferry teams are supported by many Nexus volunteers and we have engineers on standby throughout the route ready to address any issues that may arise. However, this extreme weather was truly unprecedented. We did everything we possibly could to get people home as soon as possible. The Shields Ferry stayed open for an additional hour and after we had managed the flood water, the Metro got the last of the queue away safely just before 8pm.

Thank you once again, I hope you’re all enjoying a well-earned rest now.

Cathy Massarella

Interim Managing Director

Nexus