The news that the Great North Run will go ahead came as a relief for thousands of runners taking part in the popular North East event this Sunday.

The death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday cast the 41st event in doubt – and participants faced an anxious wait to hear from the run’s organisers on whether it will go ahead.

Participants had urged the run's organisers to carry on due to the amount of money already spent, and the detrimental circumstances it would have on the hundreds of charities represented by runners. 

But the green light for the event to continue came on Friday afternoon, with many participants already having travelled to the region.

Read more: Metro, Bus and ferry ticket information for Great North Run

In a statement released on Friday afternoon, the organisers 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.

"The thousands of runners taking part are expected to raise an estimated £25 million pounds in much-needed charitable donations - a fitting tribute to the queen who lived her life in the service of our country and its people."

Elements of the runner and spectator experience will be subdued out of respect to the Royal Family, the Great North company also said. 

"Whilst we want runners to enjoy the day, we encourage everyone to be mindful of the very special circumstances in which the event will be taking place," the statement added.

More than 60,000 people are signed up to take part in the half marathon on Sunday morning.

What events are cancelled?

However, some of the other events planned under the Great Run banner for this weekend have been less fortunate.

Organisers cancelled its 5k sister event scheduled for Friday. In a statement released shortly after 8pm on Thursday evening the Great North Run company said: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Royal family.

“In light of this sad news, we have taken the decision to cancel the Great North 5k on Friday evening.

And the Junior and Mini Great North Run due to take place on Saturday, has been postponed.

The organisers said the decision was made as a mark of respect after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. “We do not feel it’s possible to deliver the kind of event experience that children and their families would expect and still ensure it is an appropriate tribute to the life of the Queen,” a statement added.

"We are actively looking at alternative dates to stage the JuniorMiniGNR in the coming weeks, and will be in touch with participants directly," a statement added. 

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Great North Run Results 2022: How to search for runners' times