Newcastle United captain sends 63,000 runners on their way in record-breaking Great North Run
A record 63,000 runners took part in the AJ Bell Great North Run.
Among them, Andy Burnham became the first serving Prime Minster to compete whilst in office.
Running in a personal capacity for charity Changing Lives to raise awareness of homelessness, he completed his fourth Great North Run in 1:57:35.
American Zouhair Talbi won the Men’s elite race in a time of 00:59:47. In the women’s race, Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei took the crown for the second time in 01:06:15.
Newcastle United captain and England player Dan Burn was on official starter duties all morning, dishing out high fives until the very last runner passed under the famous starting gantry.
The class of 2026 were joined by a host of celebrities including Chris Kamara and Ben Shepherd running for Prostate Cancer UK, Joe Wicks, Sophie Rayworth, Helen Skelton, Jake Quickenden, and England legendary footballer Peter Reid.
Founder and president of the Great North Run Sir Brendan Foster said: “Since our first event in 1981, we’ve seen countless special moments and incredible feats and today was no different. Our biggest ever Great North Run, over £25 million raised for many worthy causes and our current Prime Minister on the start line, what a way to celebrate the Great North Run’s 45th anniversary.”