Newcastle and World Cup hero Dan Burn to start Great North Run

The club captain will take to the starter’s platform on September 13 to launch the 45th edition of the iconic half marathon, which will see a record 63,000 runners take on the 13.1-mile route.

Dan Burn, who helped England reach the semi-finals of this summer's World Cup, joins a long line of North East icons who have started the race, including Sting, Ant and Dec, Sir Bobby Robson, Alan Shearer and Jill Scott.

(Image: PA)

Sir Brendan Foster, founder of the Great North Run, said: "This year for us is huge in so many ways – it’s our 45th anniversary and the biggest ever Great North Run with 63,000 runners taking on the famous course from city to sea.

"We needed someone big for this big moment, so we made a big signing… Big Dan Burn."

Mr Foster said Burn "epitomises" the sense of "regional pride" and "passion for the region" that defines the event.

Dan Burn, who spent time in the early years of his career at Darlington, said: "It's an honour to be starting the Great North Run on the milestone 45th occasion.

"I’m so excited to see all 63,000 of you on Sunday.

Dan Burn with youth teach coach Craig Liddle in his Darlington days. (Image: Freelance)

"I’d like to wish everyone running all the best of luck."

The 2026 AJ Bell Great North Run will be broadcast live on BBC One in the UK and in more than 170 countries worldwide.

The weekend of running begins with the AJ Bell Great North Run 5K on Friday, September 11, followed by the 40th edition of the Junior and Mini events on Saturday, September 12.