Task 1. Read the text and circle the best answer for the question.
1. What is the writer`s attitude about the competition?
A) He/she is in favour of this competition
B) He/she is against of this competition
C) He/she doesn`t express her opinion about the competition
The Great North Run is one of the UK`s most popular sporting events. It is the biggest and
best-known half-marathon in the world. Around fifty thousand competitors sign up to take part in
the Great North Run every September, and run the thirteen miles between Newcastle upon Tyne
and South Shields. Around one hundred thousand friends and family members line the roads to
watch the race, and cheer the runners on from the sidelines.
The first Great North Run was held in 1981, to help raise money for charities and other
worthy causes. The race has evolved over the years from a small, low key event to become one of
the most popular road running events in the sporting calendar, and the most famous competition of
its kind in the world.
A lot of people enjoy running, and men and women of all ages compete in the race to help
raise money for their favourite charity. Most ordinary people who enter the race are pleased if they
just manage to finish it, but for some athletes the competition is a serious business and they are out
to win it! Many well-known celebrities also sign up to take part in the race and raise money for
good causes.
Running road races can be exhausting, and amateur runners often find them challenging. Not
all runners who enter the race manage to go the full distance and complete it, and there are always
some who fall by the wayside. Ambulances are kept on standby in case any runners need any
medical attention, and bottled water is provided for competitors to keep them hydrated in various
stops along the way. Around two hundred and fifty thousand (a quarter of a million) bottles of
water are handed out during the race along, with a thousand or more additional drinks handed out
at the start and finish!​