Organisers changed from the traditional route with runners crossing the Tyne Bridge twice, rather than the famous finish on the South Tyneside coast.
This change was one of many to aid social distancing and help with the Covid safe measures.
And while the race is expected to revert to its traditional course in 2022, for many 2021 was just not the same.
This included married couple Sarah and Tony Capraro from Hull, who were running their seventh GNR.
Tony said: “I’m disappointed really. It’s like starting again for us, because we haven’t done the new route. Missing out on the seafront finish is a big thing and I don’t some people will do it if it isn’t back here.
"It’s got to come back here.”
Sarah added: “We’re happy to be doing it, but we’re sorry for the people of South Shields and the little businesses.”
Married couple Shaun and Lisa Smith are members of South Shields Harriers. The local couple considered not running, but didn’t want to jeopardise their place in next year’s race.
Lisa told the Gazette: “It’s more hassle. We used to get the Metro to Newcastle then run home. I feel like I’m going through the motions. I should be on the starting line about now.”
Shaun added: “I think it’s terrible. It’s really disappointing there’s no iconic seafront finish. Basically, now you’ve got a motorway run. I won’t re-join if it’s not coming back next year. It seems a bit flat.”
Tracey Hearne, from Oxfordshire, was running her first GNR and had stayed in South Shields with husband Rob for four days.
She said: “I was really looking forward to the seafront finish and I’d booked it because of that and decided to stay in South Shields.
"When we found out about the new route it was a bit of a disappointment. I want to do the proper Great North Run next year.”
Chris Hudson, from Somerset, and friend Anthony Hooper also spoke of their disappointment at missing out on the “iconic” seafront finish.
Running with them was Dan Shaw, from Lincolnshire, who added: “It’s a tad disappointing, because the support you get from the people of South Shields is fantastic. It spurs you on to the line along those last four miles.
“I understand why, it’s unfortunate but it’s good to have something as opposed to nothing. I’m really hopeful they get it back to South Shields next year - especially seeing as my in-laws have a place near the finish line!”
Vicki Morrison from South Shields was celebrating her birthday by taking part in her second Great North Run.
She said: “We understand because obviously we’ve had a massive pandemic. I just thought it would be nice to do the 40th.”
Vicki’s friend Wendi Slater, added: “We’re excited now that we’re doing it. We’re just haven’t trained enough, because we were expecting it to be cancelled.”
