How Great North Run day unfolded as iconic half marathon celebrated 40th staging in 2021
and live on Freeview channel 276
This year’s Great North Run was the 40th staging of the event – an occasion which was originally due to be celebrated last September. The 2020 race – along with countless other charity events – had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But the half marathon returned for 2021 on an amended route, and with other Covid safety controls in place – including staggered start times.
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Hide AdFor the first time, the Great North Run finish line was not in South Shields. Instead, the route took a loop back to Newcastle to end at the city’s Great North Road.
Scroll down for our team’s updates on Sunday’s event and see if you can spot any familiar faces in our pictures.
Great North Run 2021: How race day unfolded as iconic half marathon returned
Key Events
- This year’s staging of the Great North Run celebrates the event’s 40th birthday
- New route and Covid controls in place for 2021 - race started and ended in Newcastle
- Thousands of runners and spectators in the streets to play their part
Eyes peeled for familiar faces ...
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor, ready to take on the run!
And they’re off! 🏁
Our reporter Ryan Smith captures the first wave on camera as they head off on the run. Good luck everyone!
Atmosphere
Our reporter Ryan Smith has been at the Great North Run start line this morning, watching the first wave of runners set off and speaking to some of you on the course.
Spirits among runners and spectators are very high as the iconic half marathon returns for the first time since 2019.
Newcastle city centre is “buzzing with energy” as the event gets underway for its 40th staging.
An update from South Shields
Our reporter Tony Gillan is out in South Shields this morning and what is usually one of the busiest days in the town’s calendar. He’s been getting your views on this year’s change to the GNR route, which means the race is not finishing in Shields for the first time in 40 years.
Tony and Sarah Capraro, from Hull, are marking their seventh Great North Run this year. They told us what they thought of the changes put in place for 2021.
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 sea front finish is a big thing I don't think some people will do it if it isn't 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."
Who’s going to be the first to cross the finish line? 🤔
Ladies and gentlemen, place your bets ...
Our reporter Ryan Smith is at the finish line, ready to greet some of you!
‘Basically now you’ve got a motorway run’
More from reporter Tony Gillan in South Shields, who has been asking you for your views on the altered GNR route this year.
As we’ve said, it’s the first time that the half marathon will not finish in South Shields.
He has been speaking to Shaun and Lisa Smith, who are both from the town and part of South Shields Harriers.
Lisa said: "It's more hassle. We used to get the Metro to Newcastle then run home.”
Shaun added: "I think it's terrible. It's really disappointing. There's no iconic sea front finish. Basically now you've got a motorway run."