Great North Run 2022: How the day unfolded as famous half marathon paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
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The iconic half marathon returned to its traditional route – 13.1 miles between Newcastle and South Shields – for the first time since 2019, on a weekend where the nation mourned the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The 2022 staging of the race acted as a celebration of the monarch’s life and service, with a poignant moment of silence taking place before the runners set off.
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Hide AdAfter ruling for more than 70 years and a lifetime of duty, the Queen passed away at Balmoral on Thursday, September 8. She was 96.
While a number of events were cancelled in the wake of her death, the Great Run Company confirmed that the famous race would go ahead as planned.
Related content: Inspiring pictures from Great North Run day as racers and supporters make North East proud
A company statement said: “The event has traditionally been a celebration of the extraordinary achievements of ordinary people, this year it will be an opportunity for us to come together and express our condolences, while celebrating the life of our extraordinary Queen.”
Founder Sir Brendan Foster added on Friday (September 9): “We will endeavour to ensure the event runs smoothly but we will do so ever mindful that the nation has lost someone whose death is a defining moment for all of us, and who will be in our hearts and minds not just today and tomorrow, but long into the future.”
Please see below for a recap on how race day unfolded.
Great North Run 2022: How the day unfolded as famous half marathon paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II
Key Events
- Thousands of runners and spectators visited region for big day
- A touching tribute to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II before runners crossed the start line
- Check out our recap of how race day unfolded across the North East - with your pictures, stories and more
The wheelchair race winner - David Weir CBE
Georgina speaks to some of you in South Shields
This is the first time since 2019 that the Great North Run finish line has been back in its rightful home of South Shields. The 2020 race was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, while in 2021 a revised route through Newcastle was held instead.
Jill Barnett, from Jarrow, said “It’s a completely different feel in South Shields compared to Newcastle, there’s a lot of local residents who come out to support the race and the charities, it’s like a community.
“I was worried they were going to cancel it after the Queen’s death ,so I was over the moon when I heard it was still going ahead, it’s a fantastic event for such deserving charities.”
‘A brilliant day so far’
Jon Scott, from Hetton, was also in South Shields to watch the action on Sunday.
He said: “It’s a brilliant day so far - it’s lovely seeing everyone back in Shields. I think this is the busiest one I’ve seen, people have been here since the crack of dawn, everyone loves it.
“People would have been really upset if it was postponed, definitely the right decision to go ahead.”
The reporting team at the finish line
Our reporter George and photographer Kevin Brady are poised at the finish line to hear your stories. Don’t forget to say hello and give them a wave for the camera 👋
Great North Run elite women’s winner - Hellen Obiri
Milestone day
Georgina has also been speaking to Robert Stokes, from Harton, who is handing out water to the runners.
He told us: “I’ve been involved in the run for years - I think it’s fantastic.
“They train for months, even years, so I was worried they were going to cancel.
“The run is huge - people come from all over the place - it’s brilliant every year.”
Respect to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II
A moment of silence at the Great North Run start line in tribute to the Queen. Picture: North News & Pictures.
