Great North Run

The Great North Run is the world's most popular half marathon (13.1 miles). Participants run between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and South Shields. The event was devised by former Olympic 10,000m bronze medallist and BBC Sport commentator Brendan Foster. Foster was inspired after running in the Round the Bays Race in New Zealand in 1979.

Related Topics:
Half marathon - Newcastle-upon-Tyne - South Shields - Olympic - BBC - Brendan Foster - Round the Bays Race - New Zealand - 1979

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The first ever Great North Run was staged on the 28th June, 1981, when 12,000 runners participated. By 2003, the number of participants had risen to 47,000. For the first year it was advertised as a local fun run; twenty years on it has become one of the biggest running events in the world.

Related Topics:
28th June - 1981

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In recent years, a Great North Mile has also been held.

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In the 2004 Great North Mile race on Saturday 25 September, Double Olympic Gold Medalist Kelly Holmes made her first appearance in Britain since returning from the 2004 Summer Olympics. Holmes also fired the gun to start the main event on Sunday 26 September, and waved and shook hands with many of the 50,000 starters.

Related Topics:
2004 - Great North Mile - 25 September - Kelly Holmes - Britain - 2004 Summer Olympics - 26 September

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