Great North Run 2022: How the day unfolded as famous half marathon paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Thousands of runners and spectators alike were in the North East on Sunday, September 11 for the 41st staging of the Great North Run.
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The iconic half marathon returned to its traditional route – 13.1 miles between Newcastle and South Shields – for the first time since 2019, on a weekend where the nation mourned the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The 2022 staging of the race acted as a celebration of the monarch’s life and service, with a poignant moment of silence taking place before the runners set off.

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After ruling for more than 70 years and a lifetime of duty, the Queen passed away at Balmoral on Thursday, September 8. She was 96.

Thousands of runners set off on the 41st Great North Run after a minute's silence to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: North News & Pictures.Thousands of runners set off on the 41st Great North Run after a minute's silence to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: North News & Pictures.
Thousands of runners set off on the 41st Great North Run after a minute's silence to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II. Picture: North News & Pictures.

While a number of events were cancelled in the wake of her death, the Great Run Company confirmed that the famous race would go ahead as planned.

A company statement said: “The event has traditionally been a celebration of the extraordinary achievements of ordinary people, this year it will be an opportunity for us to come together and express our condolences, while celebrating the life of our extraordinary Queen.”

Founder Sir Brendan Foster added on Friday (September 9): “We will endeavour to ensure the event runs smoothly but we will do so ever mindful that the nation has lost someone whose death is a defining moment for all of us, and who will be in our hearts and minds not just today and tomorrow, but long into the future.”

Please see below for a recap on how race day unfolded.

Great North Run 2022: How the day unfolded as famous half marathon paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Key Events

  • Thousands of runners and spectators visited region for big day
  • A touching tribute to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II before runners crossed the start line
  • Check out our recap of how race day unfolded across the North East - with your pictures, stories and more

A reminder for those travelling to the start line by Metro

A number of our own team are taking part in today’s Great North Run

Sending our love and best wishes to our members of staff running the Great North Run today - including James and Miles. Be sure to give them a wave and cheer if you see them going by.

Who are you running for? 👟

As we said earlier, thousands of runners take on the iconic 13.1-mile route between Newcastle and South Shields in aid of a cause close to their heart. Before race weekend was upon us, we put a call out on our social media pages to find out more about the charities you’re taking on the challenge for.

An estimated 60,000 runners are preparing to take part in the 41st Great North Run - and here some of them go on their way to the start line. All the best guys!

Good luck to these Great North Runners on their way to the start line! Picture: North News & Pictures.Good luck to these Great North Runners on their way to the start line! Picture: North News & Pictures.
Good luck to these Great North Runners on their way to the start line! Picture: North News & Pictures.

‘Big Pink Dress’ fundraiser Colin Burgin-Plews will end eight years of incredible support for others when he crosses the finishing line at the Great North Run on September 11.

North News & PicturesNorth News & Pictures
North News & Pictures

🎥 Where can I watch the run?

Much of the BBC’s coverage has been devoted to the death of Queen Elizabeth II in recent days, but viewers will still set to be able to watch Sunday’s Great North Run live on the BBC.

In will be broadcast on BBC Two with coverage, fronted by Gabby Logan, starting at 10am and continuing until 12.15pm.

Paying tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at the Great North Run

North News & PicturesNorth News & Pictures
North News & Pictures

Spectators are already getting in place to cheer the Great North Runners on in South Shields 👏 Have a great day everyone!

Getting a good spot on the Great North Run route in South Shields. Getting a good spot on the Great North Run route in South Shields.
Getting a good spot on the Great North Run route in South Shields.

Say hello to Georgina!

Our reporter George is at the Great North Run finish line in South Shields - and she’ll be looking to speak to some of you! So whether you’re running or watching, don’t forget to say hello and tell her about your GNR experience.

Another reminder from Nexus regarding today’s Metro service