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Andy Burnham among Great North Run finishers

This year's event sees 63,000 people take on the half marathon - including the prime minister.

Andy Burnham among Great North Run finishers

Prime Minister Andy Burnham joined 63,000 runners in the 45th Great North Run, a half marathon event that crosses Tyneside. The 13.1-mile race began in Newcastle, ran through Gateshead and South Tyneside, and finished in South Shields. Other notable finishers included England football star Dan Burn, football personality Chris Kamara, and fitness coach Joe Wicks.

The event, which raises around £25 million for charity each year, saw famous faces participate while tens of thousands of onlookers lined the route. Runners were greeted with a Red Arrows flyover above the Tyne Bridge at both the start and finish lines. Prime Minister Burnham expressed happiness with his finishing time of 1 hour 57 minutes, stating that the day highlighted the unity of the country.

Additionally, the 2026 Great North Run medal, designed by local artist Alex Mulholland, features the Tyne Bridge and celebrates the stories behind each runner and the causes that inspire them to participate in the event.

Written by urgent.news from BBC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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