Red Arrows confirm Great North Run flypast will go ahead

 <i>(Image: GAVIN ENGELBRECHT)</i>
(Image: GAVIN ENGELBRECHT)
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The Red Arrows have confirmed their planned appearance at the Great North Run will go ahead, despite concerns following the cancellation of an air display earlier this week.

Doubts emerged after the RAF display team pulled out of Wednesday’s Guernsey Air Display because of aircraft and engineering resource problems.

However, organisers and spectators can now look forward to the return of one of the Great North Run's most iconic traditions as the Red Arrows prepare to take to the skies over the route and South Shields seafront.

An RAF spokesperson said: "We can confirm that the planned flypast over the Great North Run on Sunday will take place."

The Red Arrows will fly over the start at 10.52am.

They have become a familiar sight at the world's biggest half marathon since first joining the event in 2002. Their display, featuring the team's trademark red, white and blue smoke trails, has provided one of the standout moments of race day for both runners and spectators.

Thousands of supporters are expected along the route from Newcastle to South Shields on Sunday as more than 60,000 runners take part in the 13.1-mile race.

The event will be shown live on BBC One from 10am to 2pm on Sunday.

Highlights will be shown on BBC Three at 9pm.

The team also cancelled a planned appearance at Sanicole, a major air show in Belgium, scheduled for the same day as the Great North Run.

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