Newcastle’s Great North Run returned once again this year and saw thousands of hopefuls flock to the city to complete the long-anticipated trail.
60,000 runners made their way to Newcastle to take part in the 2023 Great North Run today (September 10), tackling the 13.1-mile route to South Shields.
A magnificent flyby from the famous red arrows was a sight to see over the Quayside, turning the sky red, white and blue for runners who were only just getting started with their journey.
Read more: Great North Run 2023: Can you spot yourself in our gallery?
Those taking part this year were competing in less than normal conditions, as temperatures soared to reach up to 24C with some light drizzles of rain.
Pictures from the day show runners shedding sweat and tears as they pushed towards the finish line, with some even seen wearing fancy dress to complete the race.
Smiling faces were captured by photographers throughout the day, waving to cameras as they passed by on what looked like a fantastic day for all.
Arial photos showed the extent of the race itself and the amount of people who have taken part, occupying in large groups the full width of roads that were closed specifically for the day.
Famous faces spotted taking part included Britain’s Got Talent Winner Lost Voice Guy from County Durham, and Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe who rang the bell.
Olympic Champion Sir Mo Farah took on the run to mark the end of his magnificent career, crossing the finish line for the elite race in South Shields with a time of 1:03:28 in 4th place.
He told the BBC post-race: “Amazing support. It is the end of my career. I wanted to come here and celebrate. It has been an amazing career.
“I wanted to end my career here in Newcastle. I won here six times. I wanted to take it all in and enjoy it.
“All I know is running. That is what made me happy for many years.”
At the finish line, swathes of happy supporters stood behind barricades, eagerly awaiting to see their loved ones to cheer them on to victory, with some even holding ‘One Mo Time’ cards
Sir Mo was then snapped chatting and high-fiving fans across the barricade, smiling as he rang the bell,
Taking home 1st place in the men's elite was Tamirat Tola with a time of 59:58, and Peres Jepchirchir clocking in at 01:06:05, 1st place for the women’s elite.
Here are some more pictures of runners as they made their way to the finish line.
Can you see yourself in any of the pictures?
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here