THE organisers of the Great North Run have announced a change to the iconic half marathon’s course for the first time in 40 years.

Instead of finishing in South Shields, the race will now start and finish in Newcastle with runners crossing the Tyne Bridge twice.

Organisers The Great North Run Company said the change in route will help reduce crowds at the event and on public transport before and after the race.

The route will take in the City Centre on the return leg, before finishing on the Great North Road.

A finishers’ village will be built on the Town Moor.

Rather than the traditional mass start, runners will be allocated specific timeslots, with the final participants setting off several hours after the first.

The Great North Run Company Chief Executive Paul Foster said: “With the lifting of most pandemic restrictions, we’re very confident that the Great North Run can go ahead in September. We have tens of thousands of runners training and fundraising ahead of the event, and so we need to take every step to ensure the race can take place.

“We would normally welcome huge crowds at the Great North Run, but this year is a bit different, and we want to make sure that the race is staged responsibly and safely.

“By changing the route and adapting the timetable we can reduce the crowds at the event and on public transport, minimising the risk of transmission of Covid. In turn this creates a more resilient event plan and helps to ensure that the race will go ahead on September 12.

“We have been working in close consultation with our partners in Newcastle, Gateshead and South Tyneside councils, with local Public Health Directors, transport providers, local NHS and other stakeholders, and we thank them all for their strong support for the Great North Run.

“These changes are a direct response to the pandemic, and we look forward to returning to South Shields next year.”

Mr Foster added: "The Great North Run has always been a celebration of everything that’s great about the North East.

“This year, more than ever, it’s important we have the opportunity to come together and celebrate our collective efforts after such a challenging time.

“We know many people will be using the event to pay tribute to loved ones, provide much needed support for worthy causes and on an individual level, remember what it’s like to be part of something bigger than themselves. We want to make sure we’ve done everything we can to make that possible.

“Whether this is your first Great North Run or you’ve taken on every one, this will certainly be a year to remember.”

The 40th Great North Run will take place on Sunday September 12.