Since its debut event in 1981, the Great North Run has been a key event in the North East calendar.
This year’s edition marks the 43rd edition of the race, after the 2020 edition of the race was cancelled due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
The first Great North Run was staged on June 28 1981, when 12,000 runners participated. By 2003, the number of participants had risen to 47,000 and we now see 60,000 runners make the iconic pilgrimage from Newcastle, through Gateshead and South Tyneside to the coastline at South Shields.
Devised by elite athlete and Hebburn local Brendan Foster, the Great North Run has rasied millions of pounds for charities across the North East and beyond, something which we will see more of in 2024 as another group of runners take part.
The 2024 Great North Run will take place on Sunday, September 8. The race will get underway at 10:55 with the BBC One coverage starting from 10am.
9. 2001
Here is a fantastic image from 2001, when a Women's Elite Race crossed the Millennium Bridge as part of of the Great North Run build up on the quayside. These days the Friday is dedicated to a 5k race on the same paths. Photo: Laurence Griffiths
10. 2012
The Great North RUn finish line was brought out early in 2012 to welcome the Olympic Torch to the North East as it made its way across the UK. Brendan Foster carried the torch across the line. | LOCOG via Getty Images
11. 2016
Runners wearing fancy dress approach the finish line in the Great North Run in South Shields | LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images
12. 2021
The 40th anniversary edition of the race was held in 2021,. Following the cancellation of the 2020 event, the route saw a change with runner starting and finishing in Newcastle. | Ian Forsyth/Getty Images