Thousands of runners took part in an emotional tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at the start of the Great North Run on Sunday.

A moving rendition of the new national anthem God Save the King was played to around 60,000 runners and thousands of spectators who lined the roads of Newcastle, just three days after the death of the Queen at the age of 96.

The playing of the national anthem followed an impeccably observed minute’s silence in honour of the late Queen during a subdued start to the 41st anniversary of the popular event.

Great North Run organisers made the decision to go ahead with the event on Friday, allowing thousands to complete the achievement of a lifetime, after noting how it has traditionally been a celebration of the extraordinary achievements of ordinary people.

"This year, it will be an opportunity for us to come together and express our condolences while celebrating the life of our extraordinary queen,” a statement added.

"The thousands of runners taking part are expected to raise an estimated £25 million pounds in much-needed charitable donations - a fitting tribute to the queen who lived her life in the service of our country and its people."

Read more: Great North Run 2022 LIVE - Brilliant pictures and amazing tribute to the Queen 

Anticipation was building in Newcastle city centre throughout the morning as thousands of runners made their way through Exhibition Park and across the Town Moor to the start line.

In keeping with the subdued build up, music at the start line was planned to reflect the mood of the nation, setting the tone for a poignant moment of remembrance for Queen Elizabeth II, while also celebrating the coming together of people raising much-needed funds for worthy causes. 

The organisers encouraged everyone to “be mindful of the very sad and special circumstances” and saw some runners wearing black armbands. Others paid tribute in their own unique, humorous ways whether it was Queen masks, Great Britain bandanas or ‘Thank You’ messages to Her Majesty.

The Northern Echo: Crossing the Tyne Bridge, Newcastle, during Sunday's eventCrossing the Tyne Bridge, Newcastle, during Sunday's event (Image: NORTH NEWS)   

The run’s founder and president Sir Brendan Foster summed up the mood of the occasion at the start line when he told the crowd how the event has always been about community pride and spirit.

He said: “We felt it was in tune with what would have been the Queen’s wishes in our view, people coming together as a community, coming together to do what they aimed for, to be the best version of themselves they could be to raise money for charities.

“She spent a lot of her life raising money for charity, so we felt it was the right thing to do.”

A film documenting the Queen’s work and travels to the North East and Cumbria was shown on a large screen, narrated by BBC Look North presenter Carol Malia.

There was also a time of reflection led by a collection of the North East’s faith leaders of various religions and denominations, including The Right Reverend Mark Wroe – Bishop of Berwick and Acting Bishop of Newcastle.

It is the strong sense of togetherness and unity that events like this bring which has enabled it to receive global acclaim among athletes and charities alike.

One participant in this year’s race said: “The Great North Run is an event which stands for community, togetherness, dedication - its people brought together for sometimes sad and sometimes beautiful reasons and it’s an affirmation of good.”

 

Commonwealth 10,000m champion Eilish McColgan sent the elite men and the rest of the field on their way with the firing of the starting gun.

The cheers and music which provide the soundtrack to every Great North Run were there in abundance, as were the jelly babies – and in some cases, beers – always on offer to participants along the way.

While the tributes at the start of the run were a poignant and emotional success other events which formed part of a weekend extravaganza were less fortunate. The Great North 5k – incorporating the UK Athletics 5K Road Championship – were cancelled on Friday and the Junior and Mini Great North Run, due for Saturday, were postponed to a later date.

The Red Arrows fly past over the Tyne Bridge and display at the finish line in South Shields was cancelled.

The Northern Echo: Runners near the finish in South Shields Runners near the finish in South Shields (Image: PA)

The date for next year’s event was also announced, taking place on September 10.

North East Olympic medallist Steve Cram told viewers on BBC : "If you've been inspired, as we are every year by what you're watching here and you're thinking: 'Yeah, I might just fancy doing that,' or if you've done it before and want to have another go, next year the Great North Run will take place on Sunday, the 10th of September."

The ballot for entry places opens in January.

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Read next: 

Brilliant costumes dedicated to the Queen at this year's Great North Run

Beautiful moment runners fall silent before singing national anthem at Great North Run

How to search for the times of runners at the Great North Run

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