IT'S back, and thousands are expected to descend on the region tomorrow as the Great North Run makes its spectacular return.
After being cancelled last year due to the Covid pandemic, the race is back and organisers have promised it will be bigger and better than before.
But what can you expect as the event kicks of tomorrow?
Well, we've put together everything you need to know, whether you're taking part or hoping to watch from the comfort of your own home.
What time does it start
The Great North Run will not have a mass start this year, unlike previous years as runners have now been allocated an arrival time and a start time.
The details of the so-called 'Waves' have been released with each start time dependant on ability and speed.
- 9.15am Elite Wheelchair & visually impaired start
- 9.20am Elite Women start
- 9.45am Elite Men and Orange wave start
- 11.05am White Wave start
- 12.25am Green Wave start
What is the route this year
The route has this year been changed due to what organisers previously said was due to "Covid" and will no longer finish in South Shields, unlike previous.
The run will start at the central motorway in Newcastle before participants make their way over the Tyne Bridge and into Gateshead.
They will then circle back the way they came and finish at the Great North Road in Gosforth, Newcastle.
How do I get there if I am participating
For those participating, they will have already been given an allocated start time based on their entry.
Due to the run taking over some key roads in and around the Newcastle and Gateshead area, the way people will get there may be disrupted.
Nexus has said public transport in Tyne & Wear is expected to welcome thousands of runners and spectators and is warning people to allow extra time for their journey.
It said that the race start location - the A167 road just outside Newcastle City Centre - is around a 15-minute walk from Haymarket Metro station.
A timetable can be found by clicking here for all Metro services.
The finish location is closest to Jesmond Metro Station, which is about a 15-minute walk from the actual finish area.
What about spectators
For spectators planning to see friends or relatives take part in the Great North Run, they are advised customers to select one location to see them - either at the start and finish areas either side of the Town Moor, or at a midway point, as public transport will be busy all day.
Will it be on TV
According to organisers, the Great North Run will be broadcast live on BBC Two from 9am to 10am.
Footage from the run will then be shown as it moves across to neighbouring channel, BBC One until 1.30pm.
A special highlights show recapping the race will be shown later this evening back on BBC Two at 5pm.
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