Chris Kamara declares 'I'm back' as he emotionally finishes Great North Run amid ongoing health issues

The 68-year-old, who revealed that he had been diagnosed with speech apraxia in 2022, completed the 13.1-mile race in the North East on Sunday, September 13.Before the race, Kamara said he had been learning to run again after his condition affected his balance.Chris Kamara completed the run with friend Ben Shephard and son JackGreat RunThe Sky Sports legend ran alongside his son Jack, as well as friend and longtime TV co-star Ben Shephard, who branded the 68-year-old a “superhero”.Kamara was forced to step back from broadcasting after being diagnosed with the condition, which affects how the brain coordinates the movements required for speech, as well as impacting muscle movement patterns.Speaking to the BBC after completing the race, an emotional Kamara said: “When I got to the line, I really couldn’t believe it. And then my legs couldn’t believe it either! And they collapsed below me.“But it’s so emotional getting around that track.“I’m back! I know I’m not really, but I am back.”His son Jack choked back tears as he heaped praise on his father. “He’s come a long way,” he said.Chris Kamara was diagnosed with the condition in 2022PA Wire“He could barely walk two years ago, so to do just that is just unbelievable.”Composing himself, he added: “I know he says it all the time, but that is just crazy. Absolutely mad.”Last week, Kamara opened up on his journey on relearning to run again after his diagnosis four years ago.He told podcast RunPod: “It’s been so hard for me to get the movement going properly because when I had the brain injury it affected my balance.“Learning to run in these last two weeks has been a great godsend. I can actually do it without losing my balance.”Sharing a photo of the four posing at the table, Kamara wrote: “Just had breakfast before the Great North Run with @benshephard, @reid6peter & a competition winner.”