Rail bosses have been urged to rethink track work which will inconvenience thousands of visitors to the Great North Run.

Transport minister Theresea Villiers has been asked to intervene in Network Rail's plans to shut the line between Newcastle and Edinburgh on September 15 and 16.

That would see runners and their families taking the train from Scotland to Tyneside having to travel via Carlisle.

The run organisers Nova International and the NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI) which promotes the region have asked for the track work to be rescheduled.

The Great North Run half marathon between Newcastle and South Shields will see 55,000 competitors take part in the country's largest mass-participation sporting event.

An average of 2.7 well-wishers per runner also attend the event, which is seen as a huge showcase for the North East.

Cath Hindle, head of development at NGI, said: ''We hope the minister will be able to intervene.

''People travelling from Edinburgh by train would have to add an hour or an hour and a half to their journey if they have to go via Carlisle.

''We are concerned this adds to the perception that the region is difficult to get to.''

David Hart, of Nova, said: ''The news came as a surprise to us. The date of the Great North Run 2012 has been in the public domain since last September.

''This was only brought to the attention of the rail operators last week. We hope a solution can be found.''

Mr Hart said it was only recently confirmed the line south from Newcastle would not be affected.

Phil Verster, route managing director for Network Rail, said: ''The works between Newcastle and Edinburgh have been planned with train operators for many months.

''There are four worksites over this weekend - including rockfall protection and drainage works, the importance of which has been demonstrated by the recent storms.

''We are also completing extensive track works in England and Scotland.

''We apologise to any participants in the Great North Run who have been impacted by these essential rail improvements.

''However the vast majority of people travelling to this event by train are unaffected as all routes into Newcastle from the south and west remain open as usual.

''Runners travelling from Scotland are still expected to travel on the Saturday as, even under the normal timetable, the earliest Sunday train would not get them to Newcastle in time for the race.

''There is still a train service, albeit with extended journey times. Return journeys are also extended.''