Newcastle Eagles men’s head coach Marc Steutel will swap the basketball court sidelines for the streets of the North East this off-season by taking on the AJ Bell Great North Run.
As coach Steutel handed out the final player award at the End of Season Supporters Night on Thursday, 14 May, fans took to the stage to challenge him to take on the world-famous half-marathon to raise funds for the Eagles Community Foundation.
Known as one of the most energetic and passionate play-callers in British basketball, Steutel was set the task by club supporters, who came up with the idea after calculating that, over the course of the 2025/26 season, his trademark courtside energy saw him cover well over the 13.1 miles between Newcastle and South Shields.
Upon agreeing to take part, the head coach was presented with his race number by Eagles fan and Foundation fundraiser Craig Thompson, who completed the last two Great North Runs as the club’s mascot, ‘Swoop the Eagle’.
“I’ve completed the run twice before, a few years ago, and both times were really challenging”, said Stuetel.
“My knees are not in the best place they’ve ever been, so I’ll be leaning on our Eagles medical team in preparation for it, and it’s great to have their support.
“This is something I really want to do for the Foundation, and I’m really hopeful that we’re able to raise a good and significant amount of money so they can continue their incredible work throughout the community and impact the lives of so many.”
Look out for updates on Marc’s training across the club and Foundation’s channels throughout the summer in the build -up to this year’s Great North Run on Sunday, 13 September.
Fans can support Marc ahead of the event by donating to the Eagles Community Foundation on JustGiving, helping to fund its work with young people across the North East.
In honour of the club’s 30-year anniversary this September, the Great Run Company has given Marc the running number 1996 – keep an eye out for him on the day.
Good luck, Marc, from everyone at the Eagles!
