19 pictures from 2019's Great North Run as race goes virtual after coronavirus cancellation

The 40th Great North Run will now take place in 2021 after organisers announced the cancellation of this year’s race due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But runners are still being encouraged to get fit and ‘Be Their Greatest’ with virtual running campaign Great North Run Reimagined, announced this week by organisers Great Run. The virtual challenges launches later this month and runs through until Sunday, September 13 – the date the milestone half-marathon should have taken place. It calls on participants to complete 40 runs between the two dates for the chance to claim a special medal. As we work on getting fit, we’ve picked out some of our favourite photographs capturing the spirit of the Great North Run, and why it’s one of the region’s best-loved events. Check out our picture special and see who you can spot!