Two Great North Run events that were cancelled following the passing of the Queen have been given new dates.

Organisers have today confirmed that the rescheduled Great North 5k will take place next month on Friday, October 7

Meanwhile, the hugely popular Junior Mini Great North Run will now take place on Saturday, October 8.  

The decision to postpone was made shortly after the sad news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II last Thursday, the day before the Great North 5k event was scheduled to take place. 

The decision was met with mixed reaction from people claiming that the events should still take place in the name of charity.

Following today's announcement, all participants have been automatically rolled over to the new dates, but can apply to move their entry to next year if they are unable to make the rescheduled events.   

Read more: How the Great North Run 2022 paid tribute to Her Majesty the Queen

Paul Foster, Chief Executive of the Great Run Company said, “As a mark of respect to Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family, we made the decision to postpone both events. 

“The short timeframe created uncertainty about the staging of public and sporting events. 

“It was also important for us to consider whether we could deliver the kind of event experience children and their families would expect while providing an appropriate tribute to the life of the Queen.” 

“Both events are staples of the Great North Run weekend, the North East’s biggest weekend of sport, and we’re pleased we can now give our runners the chance to complete the challenge they signed up for and continue fundraising for good causes.” 

More than 1,500 people have signed up to the Great North 5k, and over 9,000 children are set to take part in the Junior & Mini Great North Run, the UK’s biggest kids running event.  

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