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 races
Great Britain’s David Weir powered his way to a ninth Great North Run victory in the men’s wheelchair race, coming homing in 42.59, two seconds ahead of compatriot Daniel Sidbury with Nathan Maguire third in 46.40.
There was an even tighter finish in the women’s race, where Eden Rainbow-Cooper and Samantha Kinghorn sprinted over the line in 51.27, with Rainbow-Cooper getting there just 0.07 of a second ahead of Shelly Woods in third in 54.50.
Seven-time Paralympic champion Hannah Cockcroft finished fifth in 56.36.
What a beautiful sight that is
The Great North Run is a jewel in the crown of the North East region’s events - and what an iconic view that is 🌉
Running for Grace House
Georgina has been speaking to runners at the finish line.
Damien Todd, from Washington, was running for Grace House.
He said: “Grace House is such a deserving charity, they work with children and it’s a charity that means a lot for so many people.
“So what better charity to run for!”
Running for Mind, the mental health charity
Jennifer Oakley, from South Shields, was taking on the Great North Run for Mind.
She told us: “I’ve been training for months, so it’s been a long time coming but I’ve finally done it.
“I’m really proud of myself and the feeling when you cross the finish line is surreal.
“I decided to run for Mind because I think we’ve all struggled with mental health at some point in our lives, and especially after the pandemic it’s even more important to look after our minds.
“It was really hard going but I’m glad I’ve done it.”
Crossing that finish line 🙌
📷 Picture time
We’ve added some more great pictures, by our photographer at the finish line Kevin Brady, to our gallery round-up of today’s Great North Run.
There are thousands of faces to see on race day, and we’ve tried to snap as many of you as we can.
💗 The Big Pink Dress
Speaking to Georgina at the finish line, Colin said: “I didn’t think I would get emotional but I burst into tears when I approached the finishing line.
“It was when everyone was shouting my name - it was just so lovely!
“I’m glad to see the race back in South Shields, my hometown, it’s been amazing. I’m going out on a high.
“The mood was a little sombre to begin with but the Queen wouldn’t have wanted 60,000 people disappointed.
“As ex-forces I love the Queen, everything was so respectful, they’ve done a great job.”
