Celebrating the Great North Run: Our Partnership with Changing Lives and Running Magazines

At Unique Magazines, we believe magazines are more than just something to read, they’re a way of connecting people, sharing stories, and building communities. That’s why we’ve always been passionate about championing indie publishers who put their heart into every page. Recently, we had the chance to bring those values to life in a collaboration that means a lot to us.

The Great North Run is something close to home for us Geordies, quite literally. Not only is it the world’s biggest and best half marathon, but it’s also held right here in our home city of Newcastle upon Tyne, where around 60,000 people come together to run for a charity close to their hearts. For many first-time runners, it’s the result of months of training, all to raise money for incredible causes and to soak up the unique atmosphere of community and love that fills the city.

So, when Changing Lives, a local charity making a real difference for vulnerable people across the Northeast, reached out to us, I was instantly excited. Partnering with a charity that’s right on our doorstep has always been something we’ve dreamed of using our platform not just to sell magazines, but to actively give back to our community.

After months of conversations, Alice, the Senior Fundraiser at Changing Lives, got in touch with a special request. She wanted to put together runner packs to celebrate and support those running on behalf of the charity. Could we provide magazines to include inside? It was the perfect opportunity to combine our love for print with a cause we care deeply about.

The only problem, I didn’t have the exact magazines she was after. But in the world of indie publishing, community runs deep, and I knew who to call.

One of our newest stockists, Ultra Magazine, had joined us in December 2024 after their team reached out about being stocked in our store. Running titles are few and far between in the indie world, especially for Ultra running, so we were thrilled to add it to our shelves. Their team is small, approachable, and full of passion, so I asked if they’d be willing to help. To my delight, they generously donated 30 copies for the runner packs. I was honestly blown away by their kindness and their enthusiasm for supporting the cause.

Then, not long after, Like the Wind Magazine stepped forward. We’ve supported them since 2018, and this collaboration felt like something that had been waiting to happen. They donated all 36 copies needed for the packs, making sure every runner supporting Changing Lives received something inspiring to take home. We decided to split the donations evenly, so each pack had a mix, with extra copies set aside to be displayed for runners to browse at the finish line.

Seeing indie publishers step up so generously reminded me exactly why we do what we do. Magazines are about more than glossy pages they’re about passion, storytelling, and connection. And in this case, they’ve become a way to celebrate people who are doing something extraordinary for their community.

We can’t wait to see the final packs come together and to cheer on the runners on the big day, fast approaching! The Great North Run is always a celebration of strength, unity, and heart something these running magazines are so passionate about supporting.

A huge thank you to Changing Lives, Ultra Magazine, and Like the Wind Magazine for coming together with us on this project. It’s collaborations like these that remind us of what can be achieved when community and creativity come together.

The AJ Bell Great North Run will take place on the 7th of September 2025

Follow the day: @great_run and @changinglives_uk

Keep up to date with the print world: @uniquemagazines

For all your running needs: @theultramag and @likethewindmag

Words by Ellie from https://www.uniquemagazines.co.uk/