Here is one veteran plodder's mile-by-mile guide to what competitors should expect on September 8 along the half-marathon course.
9. Mile Ten
A fairly featureless if flat stretch in which you may need to keep other runners' spirits going, a la these 1981 competitors, although don't chat for too long because........... Photo: Sunderland Echo
10. Mile Eleven
....the gradients return, continuing up Prince Edward Road beyond the 11.5-mile mark, although thankfully so too do the cheering crowds. Photo: Stu Norton
11. Mile Twelve
There's usually an Elvis Presley impersonator inspiring you for that final climb to the Marsden Inn Roundabout. He's normally belting out Jailhouse Rock when Mo Farah sprints by and chomping on that last burger when I stagger past. Photo: Richard Sellers
12. Mile Thirteen
The last mile is thankfully straight and flat although you should avoid the temptation to stop as soon as you cross the finish line. Beware concertina collisions and continue walking towards the T-shirt point. Photo: FRANK REID