ONE of this year's Great North Run competitors put aside football rivalries in memory of his friend who died earlier this year.

Richard Armitage, 45, from Richmond, North Yorkshire, ran Sunday’s half marathon in a Sunderland shirt, in memory of his school friend, Mark Woodcock.

Mr Woodock died in a walking accident, in March.

Mr Armitage, a board member at The Gateshead Housing Company and lifelong Leeds United supporter, said: “Mark died after falling during a fell walk in the Lake District.

“He was a huge Sunderland fan, and his brother David played for the club's youth team.

“Mark took part in the very first Great North Run, and ran wearing the Black Cats' home colours, so this is a fitting tribute.

“I did get some stick from Newcastle fans along the route, but I took it all in my stride.”

Mr Armitage now hopes to get the shirt signed by players at Sunderland FC before presenting it to his friend’s family to keep, or raffle off for charity.

A number of other runners from The Gateshead Housing Company raised funds for various charities including the Alzheimer's Society, Cancer Research UK and MIND during the run.