Newcastle United Manager Eddie Howe with race founder Sir Brendan Foster have opened this year's run which sees 60,000 runners taking on the 13.1 mile route from Newcastle to South Shields.
Here's the first lot of photos as the event takes off.
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5. Runners make their way to the start before the Great North Run
Crowds preparing for the run | Ian Forsyth
6. Runners make their way to the start before the Great North Run
Crowds make their way to the start line Credit: Ian Forsyth | Ian Forsyth
7. Runners make their way to the start before the Great North Run
Ready to take on the run Credit: Ian Forsyth | Ian Forsyth
8. Runners prepare for the race
Runners make their way to the start before the Great North Run Credit: Ian Forsyth | Ian Forsyth