With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic delaying the landmark event until 2021, we have tracked back through our archives to recall some of the celebrities – both local and national – who have either braved the 13.1m-long course from Newcastle to South Shields or started the tens of thousands of runners on their way.
1. Southern comfort
EastEnders soap stars, left to right, Robert Kazinsky, Kara Tointon and Jake Wood at the start of the 2006 race. Photo: Owen Humphreys
2. Handing it to them
Geordie television presenters Ant and Dec wish competitors well at the start of the 2010 Great North Run. Photo: Other 3rd Party
3. The boy Dun good
Richard Dunwoody, seen here in 2010, was no stranger to arduous courses as a former jumps jockey champion. Photo: North News and Pictures
4. Cat'll do nicely
Model Nell McAndrew ran in a Cat Woman suit in 2011. Photo: Hugh Macknight