THE Great North Run celebrated its 21st birthday in style yesterday despite the horrors of the past week in America.

About 47,000 runners took part in the world's biggest half-marathon, between Newcastle and South Shields, which was blessed with warm sunshine, having been held a month earlier than usual.

Before they set off, they paid tribute to the victims of the American atrocities in the form of a minute's silence.

Paul Tergat, of Kenya, was the runaway winner of the men's race in one hour, 31 seconds, and his compatriot, Susan Chepkeme, recorded the fastest time ever of 68 minutes 40 seconds in the wom-en's event.

As ever, the mass of runners provided the colour, ordinary folk and a smattering of celebrities running for their enjoyment and sense of achievement - and to raise vital funds for charities.

Some runners made a spectacle of themselves by donning bizarre costumes. Two Father Christmases, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Dor-othy from the Yellow Brick Road, a piece of cheese, a tree and Mickey Mouse were among the creations that delighted thousands of spectators along the route.

One of the most courageous runners was Nicola Henderson, of Blyth, Northumberland, who has Usher's syndrome, which left her deaf from birth and is gradually taking her eyesight. The 18-year-old, who has done an abseil, parachute jump and aircraft wing walk, had to run alone because her helper fell ill.

Her mother, Trish, described the run as Nicola's biggest challenge.

Dave Martin, of organisers Nova International, said: "The event went very smoothly. We had no problems at all and everyone seems happy. We also had good weather, which is important.

"It was a 21st birthday celebration and it couldn't have gone better. Roll on next year."

He added that there were no reports of any casualties during the race.

Former Olympic gold medal hurdler Sally Gunnell was one of the celebrities running for fun. She said: "I did it in one hour, 43 minutes, which is a little faster than the last time I did it a couple of years ago.

"I did say I would never do it again, but here I am again.

"It is the atmosphere, it's so different to what I used to do.''

She added that thinking of the cause she was raising money for, the British Heart Foundation, had helped her to keep going.