Scientists to study runners' DNA

Great North Run on BBC Tyne

Participants in this year's Great North Run are being asked to provide saliva samples to see what impact their DNA has on race performance.

Newcastle University is sending emails to each of the 54,000 people who have registered for this year's event.

Those who wish to take part in the research will be sent a "spit kit".

It is hoped that the findings will help scientists understand why some of us can run faster than others - despite doing the same amount of training.

Along with the saliva sample, participants will be asked for their race number, which will allow researchers to check their finish time - without access to their identity.

Runners will also be asked how many hours of training they have undertaken.

'Ground breaking'

Professor Patrick Chinnery said: "The aim of this study is to find out whether our physical fitness is influenced by DNA - the genetic code that we have inherited from our parents.

"By comparing how many hours of training people have done against the genetic make-up of the energy-burning parts of their cells we hope to work out if there's a link.

"We're keen for as many as possible of the 54,000 runners to help us in this ground-breaking research - and the results could revolutionise the way people train in the future."

It is hoped that the findings will develop understanding of the biology that underpins physical fitness and stamina.

The 13.1 mile (21 km) Great North Run begins in Newcastle and finishes in South Shields and is due to take place on 20 September.