Runners across the North-East have raised almost £600,000 for charity in the lead up to this year's Bupa Great North Run, according to new figures.

Runners across the region who are taking part in this year's event on Sunday, September 18 have raised a total of £573,967, according to JustGiving.com.

The 13.1-mile event is due to start at 10.10am from the central motorway in Newcastle city centre, adjacent to Claremont Road, with participants running to South Shields.

So far the total amount raised in events across the country is £1.3 million, the online fundraising platform's poll shows.

Final donations are set to top last year's total of £4.4 million, JustGiving added.

Anne-Marie Huby, managing director at JustGiving, said: ''Despite the economic climate, the incredible generosity of the British public continues to amaze me. We're delighted to support all those taking part in one of the world's most iconic half marathons and to help fundraisers raise as much they can through our quick, easy and convenient service.''

Runners in the North East have raised the most so far this year, JustGiving shows, with those in the South East in second with £367,507, the Midlands third with £183,789, followed by the North West with £173,629, Scotland £112,661, the East £100,019, and the South West with £64,944.

The Bupa Great North Run, which was established in 1981, saw more than 100,000 people apply for a place in the event last year to raise funds for charities across the UK. This year's entry limit has been capped at 54,000.

JustGiving is the UK's largest online fundraising platform and has helped 13 million people raise more than £800 million for more than 9,000 charities since 2001. For more information on JustGiving.com, visit www.justgiving.com. For more information on The Bupa Great North Run or to donate, visit www.greatrun.org.