People were taking part for many very personal reasons, but most were supporting good causes, or fund-raising to give thanks for lives that had been saved, or helped, by medical care and expertise.

That's what is really great about the Great Eastern Run, there are no losers, and the really big winners are charities whose efforts provide the funds to help lifesavers do their work.

Many folk view the race as simply a great chance to challenge themselves and better their best effort year-on-year, and that's a great thing in itself – there's nothing like smashing your own targets to make you feel good about yourself.

More than 3,500 people should have felt pretty good about themselves by the time they crossed the finishing line yesterday. Well done to you all.

Green message is really catching on

EVERYONE who is doing their bit for the city's 'green' efforts by enthusiastically recycling their household waste can also give themselves a big pat on the back today.

More than 50 per cent of the city's rubbish was recycled in the past six months, beating the government's targets.

There may have been doubts about the three-bin system to start with, but it seems to be working well for everyone – including the planet.