Great North Run 2022: Organisers give update after death of Queen Elizabeth II

Organisers have given Great North Run participants an important update ahead of the weekend
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Great North Run 2022 organisers have provided an update regarding the iconic Tyneside event on Sunday after the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The event will go ahead this weekend with 60,000 people set to take part, organisers confirmed on Friday around midday.

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The Great Run Company said: “We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family. In light of this sad news, there will be a number of planned changes to the Great North Run weekend.

“The Great North 5k, incorporating the UK Athletics 5K Road Championship, will not go ahead as planned. We have also made the decision to postpone the Junior and Mini Great North Run.

“Sunday’s Great North Run will go ahead as planned. The event 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.

“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.

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“Elements of the runner and spectator experience will be more subdued out of respect to the Royal Family. Whilst we want runners to enjoy the day, we will be encouraging everyone to be mindful of the very sad and very special circumstances in which the event will be taking place, and encourage them to communicate their respect in whichever way they feel appropriate.

“Details of all changes will be directly communicated to participants across the weekend in due course.

The Great North Run may not go ahead on Sunday (Image: Getty Images)The Great North Run may not go ahead on Sunday (Image: Getty Images)
The Great North Run may not go ahead on Sunday (Image: Getty Images)

Sports across disciplines are holding meetings with Government officials and other senior figures today to make plans on how to act in such an unprecedented time.

Runners online have shown overwhelming support for the event to go ahead, with many acknowledging that over £25 million is generated for charities by the event. Many have shared their thoughts that the Queen would have wanted the event to go ahead to benefit those charities.