The Great North Run saw a field of 60,000 make the journey from Newcastle to South Shields on Sunday, just three days after the death of the Queen at the age of 96. The Founder of the #GreatNorthRun, Sir Brendan Foster, addresses today's runners at the start line ahead of the mass start to celebrate the life of Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/vGvxEEMxJd — Great Run (@Great_Run) September 11, 2022The 41st edition of the race regarded as the world’s biggest half marathon went ahead despite some sports – principally football – opting to postpone fixtures as a mark of respect to the Queen. The cheers and music which provide the soundtrack to every Great North Run were there in abundance, as were the jelly babies – and in some cases, beers – always on offer to participants along the way. “I don’t think there’s a better time to do it in some ways.”Runners cross the Tyne Bridge during the Great North Run (Will Matthews/PA)Colleague Matt Lawton added: “I know they thought long and hard about it, but I think they made the right decision.

Source: The Times September 11, 2022 13:15 UTC