IT was announced last week that there will be a change to the Great North Run’s course for the first time in 40 years.
Instead of finishing in South Shields, the iconic half marathon 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.
Also, rather than the traditional mass start, runners will be allocated specific timeslots, with the final participants setting off several hours after the first.
The 40th Great North Run will take place on Sunday September 12 this year.
This week, we’re looking back at when Tynedale runners have completed the race, often raising money for very good causes.
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