The countdown to the Great North Run 2023 is getting closer and closer, as thousands of participants prepare to take part in the world’s biggest half-marathon.

It first took place in 1981 and was won by Olympic runner Brendan Foster.

Many years later, Olympic champion Sir Mo Farrah won the Great North Run six consecutive times from 2014 to 2019.

This year, he will be running his last-ever professional race in Newcastle.

But as well as all you need to know about the event including where the start line is and the exact route, you might also be wondering what other special guest appearances there could be.

Will the Red Arrows be performing at the Great North Run 2023?

The Red Arrows will be performing a public aerobatic display at the Great North Run in Newcastle and South Shields on Sunday, September 10.

It’s thought the timings will be released closer to the event and you can keep updated by following the Red Arrows on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Describing the full display sequence, the RAF website explains: “The first half of the Red Arrows’ display consists of synchronised, formation aerobatics, followed by a more dynamic second half.

“Reds 1 to 5 form the front section of the team’s formation, known as Enid – named after the famous British children’s writer Enid Blyton, author of the Famous Five.

“The rear section of the formation comprises Reds 6 to 8 and is called Hanna, in honour of one of the team’s founding pilots and early leaders.

“This section includes the Synchro Pair, Reds 6 and 7, who perform the highly-popular opposition manoeuvres during this latter section of the show.

“During a display, Red 10 acts as the team’s Supervisor who maintains two-way radio contact with the Team Leader. Red 10 also provides the commentary.”

What display routine will the Red Arrows perform at the Great North Run 2023?

@woodenheads Red Arrows in whitby! ❤️💙🤍 #foryoupage #fyp #redarrows #whitby #travel #traveltiktok #holiday ♬ Love You So - The King Khan & BBQ Show

Just some of the individual manoeuvres which feature in the 2023 season’s full show for the Red Arrows include Wall to 8 Arrow, Apollo Loop & Twist, Lightning Roll and Detonator.

Other movements participants and spectators of the Great North Run could expect to see are Tornado to Dagger, Double Rolls, Python, Corkscrew and many more.

What is the Great North Run distance for 2023?

After a distance of 13.1 miles from Newcastle city centre, continuing towards the River Tyne and crossing over the famous Tyne Bridge before heading through Gateshead, the run will finish at South Shields seafront.