The biggest race of the north is rapidly approaching, with a record amount of participants expected on the start line.
The 13.1 mile endurance challenge will begin in the heart of Newcastle’s city centre, the runners move eastwards through Gateshead bfore the finish line awaits on the South Shields coast.
The runners will be able to enjoy the closing ceremony of the Red Arrow’s to reward themselves for the hours of dedication to prepare for the race.
Olympic and world champion Vivian Cheruiyot will be hoping to win her second North Run, the Kenyan lost out last year to four-time winner Mary Keitany who will not be taking part.
Spectators could also witness history as Mo Farah is looking to win the race for a record fifth time.
The four-time Olympic gold medalist while have to stave off competition from New Zealander Jake Robertson, who finished just six seconds behind Farah in last years race.
When and what time is the Great North Run?
The half-marathon takes place on Sunday, September 9 with five women selected for their contributions to running, most notably Paula Radcliffe, to kick off the race.
Start Times: Elite wheelchair race: 10:10
Elite women’s race: 10:15
Elite men’s race: 10:40
Red Arrows display: 13:15
- All times are subject to change in the lead up to the event
How can I watch the race live?
Spectators can watch the race from Tyne Bridge, setting up a good position for the Red Arrows later on.
Organisers have recommended that if the finish line is your chosen destination then you should head towards South Shields as soon as the race begins to avoid disappointment.
Where can I watch the race on TV?
The whole race will be covered live on the BBC’s flagship channel as well as a highlights show later that evening.
9:30am-1.30pm- BBC One
5pm-6pm – Highlights, BBC Two
What’s the weather going to be like?
Participants should expect a mostly dry and bright day.
Temperatures should improve throughout race day, meaning runners crossing the line should experience a comfortable 17 degrees.
Forecaster Aiden McGivern said: “We could see showers approach by the Red Arrows display at the finish line at quarter past one in the afternoon.
"Any showers will be fleeting, it’s looking much drier and brighter compared to Saturday.”
Which famous faces will be taking part?
Excluding elite runners such as Mo Farah and Vivian Cheruiyot, there are various celebrities testing their endurance levels for charitable causes.
Singer Olly Murs will be making the long journey from Essex for the 13-mile race, unlike local girl Scarlett Moffatt who made her name on the Channel 4 hit show Gogglebox- she still lives in the area.
The theme seems to be musicals this year, with celebrities such as Kaiser Cheif’s keyboardist and Jersey Boys star Nick Baines, West End’s Frankie Valli Ryan Molloy and theatre actor Lee Mead are taking part- this will be Mead’s first North Run.
Former TV star and model Nell McAndrew and former Sunderland defender Michael Gray will also be taking part in their maiden race.
The growing world of reality television will be represented also, as Pete Wicks (The Only Way is Essex) and Vicki Pattison (I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here) will be at the start line.
Casualty’s George Rainsford and Emmerdale’s Tony Audenshaw will be one’s to watch for any soap fans.
Key facts and figures
- The first Great North Run took place on June 8, 1981.
- The current men’s record is held by Kenyan Olympic runner Martin Mathathi for 58:56 in 2011.
- Kenyan runner Mary Keitany holds the women’s record at 1:05:39 in 2014.
- The Great North Run is officially the World’s Largest Half Marathon, with a full capacity of 57,000 runners applying for this years race.
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