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
Crowds line the streets as the Great North Run returns for 40th race
Thousands of runners and spectators descended on Newcastle city centre as the 40th anniversary of the Great North Run took place today.
And our reporter Ryan Smith was there to hear your stories and gather your views on this year’s event. Click here to read his piece in full and once again, huge congratulations to everyone taking part.
See more of our race day pictures
It has been an exciting day for runners and supporters alike with the return of the Great North Run - and whether you were pounding the pavement or applauding from the sidelines, we may have caught you on our camera.
Click here to check out our picture special and don’t forget to keep checking back as we add more fantastic race day photographs.
Great North Runners want to 'be back in South Shields next year'
Athletes in South Shields have spoken of their sadness that this year’s Great North Run was not coming to the town as they headed for the start line in Newcastle.
Click here to read more on what they had to say as they met with our reporter Tony Gillan.
