There is no better way to kick off the Great North Run weekend, whether you are not a lover of the half marathon distance or you want to jog about and relax the legs for the big day. Great North 5k event packets will be available on race day, with complete details provided in the pre-event day event material. There will also be a limited number of drop bags available for an additional cost. All funds raised by The Great North Run support vital work in cancer research. Since its founding in 1981, more than $70 million has been raised for cancer research at the University of Newcastle alone. The current chief executive officer is Dame Elaine Craig, who was appointed in 2008. Before that time, Dame Elizabeth Cassar served as president from 2001 to 2008. Newcastle upon Tyne is a city and metropolitan borough in northeast England. The population was 281,000 in 2011. It is the largest city in the region and the 32nd most populous city in the United Kingdom. Its location on the River Tyne, just over 200 miles from London, makes it a popular destination for tourists and business travelers. Newcastle GNEB provides healthcare services to people across Northeast England. It has two hospitals, one large community hospital and one small private hospital. The larger hospital, John Hunter Hospital, has 1,100 beds and is the principal hospital for the area's health needs. The other hospital, Gosford Hospital, has 80 beds and offers a range of specialist treatments.