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
A moment to recognise Dave and Rachael 🤝
Dave and Rachael running in support of the Royal National Institute of Blind People. Amazing work.
More of your GNR stories from the finish line
Sam Thurlbeck said: “It gets harder every year but that’s just because I’m getting older.
“It’s great getting everyone back together and raising money for some brilliant charities.”
‘It really kept me going'
Tom Colquitt, right, said: “It’s great being back in South Shields, the community comes together to cheer everyone on, it’s lovely.
“We had our guys handing out water at the 10-mile mark and honestly it made my day, everyone was cheering and shouting my name.
“It really kept me going.”
‘I’ll definitely be doing another'
Nick Warren said: “Since moving from Canada to the North East I wanted to take part in this run to raise money for charity.
“It’s fantastic and St Oswald’s Hospice is such a deserving charity. It’s my first Great North Run and I’ve enjoyed it a lot.
“I’ll definitely be doing another.”
Back on home turf
Jennifer Tomlinson, left, said: “It’s been a brilliant day, it’s tough but all worth it when you finish.
“Everyone always comes together for the run, and it’s nice being back in South Shields.
“Last year wasn’t the same, so it’s lovely being on home turf.”
