THE eyes of the sporting world will be on the North-East on Sunday (September 7) as the Bupa Great North Run achieves an athletics first.

Among the 57,000 people taking part in the world’s biggest half-marathon will be the millionth finisher in the race’s 33-year history.

The Great North Run will be the first athletics event in the world to achieve this landmark – a feat honoured by the International Association of Athletics Federations during Thursday night’s star-studded countdown ceremony on the banks of the Tyne.

Thousands of people are expected to line the 13-mile route between Newcastle and South Shields seafront and millions more will watch live television coverage.

Olympic hero Mo Farah will be hoping to make it an even more special occasion by becoming the first British athlete to be first over the line in the men’s race in 29 years.

Aside from the elite athletes, the bulk of the runners will be enthusiastic amateurs running to achieve personal goals and to raise money for good causes.

Since the Great North Run started in 1981 it has helped to raise more than £250 million for a wide range of charities.

Once again there will be runners determined to make it a fun day by dressing as waiters, French maids and pantomime camels.

Among the many celebrities taking part this year are the former Spice Girl Melanie C, Horrible Histories author Terry Deary, from County Durham, BBC TV news presenter Sophie Raworth and football pundit and former Welsh international Robbie Savage.

Race founder Brendan Foster said: "This year we will become the first running event in the world to achieve its millionth finish.

“It is an achievement I am immensely proud of and could not have imagined when we started our Great North Run journey back in 1981.

"Sunday will be a celebration, not just of running, but also for many millions of pounds that have been raised by runners over the years for good causes.”

Traffic will be heavy on roads on and around Tyneside, particularly at the end of the afternoon as competitors and spectators head away.

Many roads will be closed in Newcastle city centre and in South Shields.

Extra public transport is being laid on for the event.

Go North East is running a special service, the R1, between Newcastle’s Haymarket bus station and South Shields. Details are at www.simplygo.com

Details of other bus and Metro train services can be found at www.nexus.org.uk